Rabban Hormizd Monastery

About this place

Rabban Hormizd Monastery is an old monastery carved into the mountains, about 3 km from the town of Alqosh north of Mosul. The Church of the East founded it about 640, and it is today among the important monasteries of the Chaldean Catholic Church. From afar it seems part of the rock, as its stone buildings merge with the mountain itself. It takes its name from its founder, the monk Hormizd, as rabban means monk in Syriac. It flourished until the 10th century, and before the end of the 15th century it served as a burial site for patriarchs. It became the official residence of the patriarchs of the Eliya line from 1551 to the 18th century, and passed to the Chaldean Catholic Church in the early 19th century. A winding road climbs up to the monastery, with monks' cells cut into the rock on either side and stone buildings stepping up the cliff. From the top you see plains stretching south and a road twisting through the mountains. This is a monastery and a place of worship, so keep quiet and ask before taking photos inside the buildings. It is about 20 km in a straight line from Duhok and about 45 km from Mosul. A car is the best way there, and you should ask for entry in daytime. Wear modest clothing and suitable shoes, as some of the steps are steep. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to this area, and access may not be possible, so check official guidance before making any plans.