Saint Jacob of Nisibis church, Ancient Christian church in Nusaybin, Turkey.
Saint Jacob of Nisibis church is an early Christian structure with two main sections, reinforced walls with buttresses, a semi-circular apse, and decorated arched entrances that blend Late Roman and Byzantine building styles. The building displays characteristic architectural features typical of religious sanctuaries from that period.
The sanctuary was built in the early years following the legalization of Christianity and initially served as a baptistery attached to a larger cathedral. Its foundation is closely linked to the work of a prominent bishop in the early Church.
The site is named after Saint Jacob, an early bishop who shaped the religious life of the region, and its walls show how believers gathered here for centuries to worship. The space still carries the sense of deep devotion that marked this place.
The site sits on elevated ground, which requires some walking to reach, and visitors should confirm opening hours beforehand since access varies with the season. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to the uneven terrain.
Thousands of historical artifacts lie beneath the foundations, including children's graves with glass bracelets and beaded jewelry from ancient times. These discoveries reveal that the site served as a burial place for the community over many centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.