Rabban Hormizd Monastery

The monastery features multiple levels of caves and cells carved into the mountain face, located 28 miles north of Mosul at 815 meters elevation.

Founded in 640 by Rabban Hormizd, the monastery served as the residence for patriarchs of the Eliya line from 1551 until the 18th century.

Nine patriarchal graves dating from 1497 to 1804 remain in the corridor leading to the monastic cells, marking centuries of religious leadership.

The monastery contains over 40 individual cave chambers, with the main church dedicated to archangels Michael and Gabriel spread across two levels.

The monastery's library held extensive collections of Syriac manuscripts until 1828, when Kurdish forces damaged and looted the precious documents.

Location: Alqosh

Inception: 7 century

Founders: Rabban Hormizd

GPS coordinates: 36.74917,43.11444

Latest update: May 11, 2025 14:49