Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

Saint Mary Church of Tabriz is the biggest and oldest church in Tabriz. It is at least 500 years old, so it is not much of a surprise that the Christians in Tabriz have chosen this place for holding their rituals. This church is only open to Christians and if you are a non-Christian, you need to obtain governmental written permission. The visiting time of the church is only 30 minutes and it is not limited to a particular time of day.

Location of Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

Saint Mary Church of Tabriz is located in a Christian region. Shariati Street is where the Christians in Tabriz live and the church is located at the end of this street. Other attractions nearby are Ostad Shahriar Museum, Amir Nezam House, Azerbaijan Museum, Constitution House of Tabriz, Bazaar of Tabriz, Pottery Museum, and Arg of Tabriz.

History of Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

According to the oldest gravestone, the age of Saint Mary Church of Tabriz is estimated to date back to 1600. Marco Polo has referred to this church in his book of travels when he was on his way to China.

After the earthquake of Tabriz in 1782, the church had to be significantly renovated. The renovation process started in 1782 and was finished 3 years after that to look the same way as to how it used to in the Safavid era.

Structure of Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

The architecture of Saint Mary Church of Tabriz pursues the rules of Christian style. Its central dome is placed on four thick stone columns. A small marble inscription is there above the main gate to the church on which its establishment date is carved. There are also eight stone columns on which the big bell of the church is installed.

Inside the church, beautiful paintings of Mary, the Virgin, Jesus Christ, and his followers. Two of the paintings above the main four columns have totally been destroyed due to moist and only the other two are left. Saint Mary Church of Tabriz and Vank Cathedral in Isfahan are the only churches in Iran that have paintings on a canvas fabric on their walls. The miniature technique of the paintings belongs to the year 1800 and is totally European in their style.

Where to Eat near Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

Haj Ali Kebab, Ipek Yolu Restaurant, Dr. Nikk Restaurant, Salar Ark Restaurant, Emarat Restaurant, Badas Spanish Restaurant, and Haj Majid Restaurant are the nearby places you can have delicious food.

Where to Stay near Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

If you are looking for luxury hotels near Saint Mary Church of Tabriz, you can stay at International Tabriz Hotel, Shahryar Tabriz International Hotel, Gostaresh Hotel, or Tabriz Petrochemical Hotel. Also, Darya Tabriz Hotel, Sina Hotel, and Park Tabriz are some of your options to have a budget stay near Saint Mary Church of Tabriz.