Located in the Karada neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, the Sayidat al-Nejat Cathedral—also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation—is an active seat of the Syriac Catholic Church under Archbishop Yousif Abba. Designed by Polish architect Kafka alongside the Romaya engineering agency, the cathedral opened in 1968 and features a striking architectural form built to resemble a boat. Its elevated cross serves as a mast supporting an arch-shaped sail, symbolizing a vessel carrying worshippers across the sea.
Inside, you will find wood paneling across the pillars and walls, a wooden band carved with the names of past victims, and multicolored windows above the altar that cast natural light into the space. A highlighted focal point is a 1904 painting of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus by Chaldean priest Mikhael Oufi, alongside a 1994 cupola mosaic depicting the coronation of Mary. Visitors can also explore an adjacent memorial room displaying pictures of victims, stained sacred objects, and personal items from priests, as well as a neighboring graveyard housing clerics' tombs.
It stands as a profound site of solemn history and enduring faith.
What to see at Sayidat al-Nejat Cathedral in Baghdad
- Distinctive boat-shaped architecture featuring a cross mast and sail arch
- 1904 painting of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus by Mikhael Oufi
- 1994 cupola mosaic depicting the coronation of Mary
- Memorial room displaying victims' photos and preserved personal belongings
- Graveyard containing the tombs of cathedral clerics and servants
Visiting tips
Take time to respectfully visit the adjacent memorial room to view the preserved personal belongings and memorial displays honoring the cathedral's history.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Sayidat al-Nejat Cathedral in Baghdad is easy to reach on Baghdad’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Baghdad Tower and AlKhulafa Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Baghdad travel guide.
See the full Baghdad travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.