Mar Mattai monastery, Syrian Orthodox monastery in Mosul, Iraq
The monastery sits on Mount Alfaf at 824 meters elevation, with stone walls enclosing multiple chambers, water cisterns, and two churches.
Saint Matthew founded this monastery in 363 CE after fleeing persecution in Diyarbakır during the reign of Roman Emperor Julian.
The monastery houses a library containing ancient Syriac Christian manuscripts and texts, making it a center of religious scholarship in Iraq.
Located 30 kilometers northeast of Mosul, visitors reach the monastery through a winding mountain path with 32 stone-paved turns.
The monastery walls incorporate architectural elements from the 4th century, including original stone carvings and religious symbols from early Christian periods.
Location: Mosul
GPS coordinates: 36.49000,43.44278
Latest update: May 11, 2025 08:27
Nineveh
29.6 km
Library of Ashurbanipal
29.8 km
Dur-Sharrukin
19.3 km
Great Mosque of al-Nuri
32.7 km
Dair Mar Elia
35.6 km
Rabban Hormizd Monastery
41.1 km
Mosque of the Prophet Yunus
29.9 km
Tepe Gawra
17.3 km
Mosul Grand Mosque
30.7 km
Church of Saint Thomas
32.9 km
Mar Behnam Monastery
39.3 km
Jerwan
20.5 km
Bash Tapia Castle
32.4 km
Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul
34 km
Mar Oraha Monastery
27.3 km
Khinnis Reliefs
29.9 km
Al Tahira Church
25.1 km
Our Lady of the Hour Church
32.8 km
The Shrine of Yahya Abu al-Qasim
32.4 km
Syrian Catholic Archeparchy of Mossul
32.3 km
Monastery of Saint John of Dailam
22.1 km
Imam al-Baher Mosque
33.1 km
Fifth Bridge
32 km
Mosul Library
30.6 km
Beit al-Tutunji
32.5 km
Mart-Meskinta-Kirche
33 km
Chaldean Catholic cathedral of Saint George
41.4 km
Minaret of the Nouri Mosque
32.7 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes