St. Mary Church (, ) is an ancient Assyrian church located in the city of Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran.

Current old building of the church belongs to Sasanian era and its interior design is a combination of Sasanian and Arsacid architecture.

St. Mary Church, Urmia

A Chinese princess, who contributed to its reconstruction in 642 AD, has her name engraved on a stone on the church wall. The famous Italian traveller Marco Polo also described the church in his visit.

St. Mary Church, Urmia

Briefly prior to the World War I, it was converted by Russians to a Russian Orthodox church.

St. Mary Church, Urmia

In early 1960s, the old church was restored and a modern church with a spire was built adjacent to the ancient church.

See also

Iranian Assyrians

References

Assyrian Church of the East churches

Assyrians in Iran

Church of the East in Iran

Buildings and structures in Urmia

Churches in Iran

Tourist attractions in Urmia