Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

Saint Mary Church of Tabriz, located at the end of Shariati Street (North Shahnaz) at the corner of Namaz Square, is the largest and oldest church in the city. It was built in the 6th century AH (12th century CE) and is regarded as one of the most important historical and religious monuments of Armenians in Iran. Marco Polo, the famous traveller of the 8th century AH (14th century CE), visited this great church on his journey to China and mentioned it in his travelogue. This historic building was constructed during the rule of the Mongol Ilkhanids.

The architecture of Saint Mary Church follows the Armenian style, with a cross-shaped plan. Its central dome rests on four thick stone columns, and the exterior is decorated with a stone portal. Above the entrance door, a marble inscription in Armenian script records the date the church was founded. In 1780 CE, an earthquake destroyed part of the church, and in 1782 CE it was rebuilt in the style of the Safavid era. The reconstruction used materials salvaged from the earlier building and respected the original plan, and the present church is the result. The architecture combines the traditional Armenian style with Safavid building methods, using stone, brick and lime, with brick vaults and stone façades among its most distinctive features.

Saint Mary Church has a tree-filled courtyard, where the first printing house in Tabriz was established, and it plays an important role in the cultural and religious history of the region's Armenians. In the final years of the 19th century CE, through the efforts of Bishop Stepanos Mokhtarian, a printing press was installed here to meet the educational needs of the Aramian School. Besides its religious importance, the church is regarded as one of the historical and cultural symbols of Tabriz and is also a venue for Armenian national and religious ceremonies. You can reach Saint Mary Church by private car, bus or metro. The nearest metro station is Saat Square station. Visiting the church in spring and summer is recommended, as the weather in Tabriz is more pleasant at that time.