Dair Mar Elia

You will find the historic memory of Dair Mar Elia, or the Monastery of Saint Elijah, located in Mosul within Iraq's Nineveh Governorate. Established around 595 AD by the monk Mar Elia, it stood as one of Iraq's oldest monasteries and served as the center for the regional Christian community. While the complex belonged to the Church of the East and later the Chaldean Catholic Church, its main sanctuary was constructed in the 11th century and renovated in the 17th century.

Tragedy struck the fortress-like complex in 1743 when Afsharid forces under Nader Shah killed 150 resident monks who refused to convert to Islam. Following this, it became a deeply meaningful Christian pilgrimage site, featuring neighboring natural mineral water springs, a reservoir, and a courtyard surrounded by 26 rooms, including a chapel and sanctuary. Though damaged during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and heavily defaced, military chaplains once guided tours of its ruins.

Tragically, the entire 27,000-square-foot site was completely destroyed by the Islamic State in 2014. Visitors exploring its history can learn about centuries of endurance, from early Christian gatherings on the Mar Elia Holiday to modern preservation efforts aimed at honoring its sacred legacy.

What to see at Dair Mar Elia

• Founded around 595 AD by the monk Mar Elia as one of Iraq's oldest monasteries
• Fortress-like 27,000-square-foot complex featuring a courtyard, chapel, and sanctuary
• Site of historical Christian pilgrimages and the annual Mar Elia Holiday on November's last Wednesday
• Preserved early features including natural mineral water springs and a neighboring reservoir

Visiting tips

Remember that the historic physical structure was completely destroyed in 2014, so plan your educational journey around its remarkable historical legacy in Mosul.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Dair Mar Elia is easy to reach on Mosul’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nineveh and Great Mosque of al-Nuri. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mosul travel guide.