MOR GABRIEL MANASTIRI (MONASTERY OF SAINT GABRIEL)

This Syriac Orthodox monastery, built in 397, is the oldest Christian monastery in the world. It has undergone several restorations, the most recent of which, the upper part of the building, dates from 1950 and several invasions, including that of the Mongols in 1402. Yet for sixteen centuries it has almost never ceased to have a monastic life and traditions, making it the most important religious and cultural site of the still active Syriac community in the region. In its heyday (7th century), the monastery welcomed more than 500 students (among others Greek, Persian and Armenian) to teach them science. Currently the structure welcomes 40 students, 14 nuns and 3 monks.

The building is largely made of yellow sandstone. The first courtyard is a recent part of the monastery, it is the accommodation for the nuns. Passing through the first monumental carved gate, you enter the cloister, the oldest part of the building. On the right is the Anastasia Church (512) built during the reign of Emperor Anastasia. Inside, behind the tapestries on the right are the tombs of Syriac saints. Note the dome above the altar, covered with ancient mosaics dating from the Byzantine period and representing similarities with those of Saint Sophia in Istanbul.

Three times a day there is a celebration but special permission is required to participate. At the exit of the church, on the right, the dome of Mo Theodora (540.), a place of retreat. The alcoves in the dome give onto small prayer rooms, which allowed the monks to isolate themselves. To the left of the dome, the monks' refectory. Continuing down the corridor on the right as you leave the refectory, you will come to the courtyard of the Church of the Virgin Mary (7th century). In front of the church, the cemetery. In the first room, recent unoccupied graves. Going down the stairs, the old cemetery where 12,000 monks and bishops are buried, standing or seated, with their heads turned to the east. This is where St. Gabriel is buried in 668. He played an important role in the development of the monastery and the holes in his tomb allow the recovery of earth with healing properties.

Only the old part is open to visitors. Guides will propose you a tour without financial compensation, not to be missed because the explanations are rich. However, remember to leave a ticket as an offering to the monastery.