Saint Thaddeus Cathedral

One of the most important Iran’s historical church registered in the list of world heritage sites of Iran. The monument has special landscape with black and white big stones and it’s good location for architecture photography as well.
In my recent visit of this church on September 2022 I saw new renovations outside of the building which make the landscape and decorations much better than before

This place is amazing. I saw many places in Iran. But I believe that this Cathedral is one of the best. I will never forget this beautiful monastery.

This is a world heritage location and probably the world's second cathedral dedicated to Saint Thaddeus. The place dates back to Zoroastrianism, and it was probably their holy shrine before becoming a church. The place has very unique decorations and is lovely to visit. I highly recommend visiting this place if you are in west Azarbaijan.

So beautiful! There are 4 church’s. Don’t miss them

A nice armanian church with black and white stones.

One of the oldest churches in IRAN. Imazing

Such a nice experience. Amazing architecture hidden among the picturesque mountains. This is the best maintained of all Iran's medieval churches. St Thaddeus supposedly founded a church here in 43 AD. Thaddeus' preaching proved little successful with the severe reactions of the Armenian king. In a curious twist, Armenia became later the world's first Christian nation (301 AD) and Thaddeus' memory was revived with a chapel built here at his supposed grave. (371 AD).
Take your time and enjoy your visit.

I loved it, amazing Stone work, definitely worth going

Wow! Excelent, beautiful and old!
It is the world's first church in the Christian community; Due to its historical and spiritual significance, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because one of the Christian apostles is buried in this church, it is of great importance. Some believe that Qara is the prefix of the name of the place and means big. In this case, the church means the big church. The church is located 20 km northeast of Chaldoran, next to a village of the same name. Historians of the eighth century onwards have occasionally commemorated the church of Thaddeus, calling it "Craclius." Because the eastern part of the church building is made of black stone.

According to the famous Armenian historian Musa Khorni, the history of the construction of the church in West Azerbaijan dates back to the early Christian period. The church was therefore also located on the tomb of the holy Tatavus, which was considered the herald of Christianity. Since 1243, the name "Church of the Holy Tatavus" has been used interchangeably in various works and books, especially in Armenian religious communities.
The church also consists of two old black sections and a new white section, each with its own history. When for the first time Genghis Khan the Mongols destroyed a large part of the church in his attack, then the Holakokhan government restored and rebuilt the church with the efforts of Khwaja Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, as well as an inscription next to the altar of the old part. There is a church, which shows that in the 14th century, in 1391, there was a strong earthquake in this area, which caused extensive damage in this church, but again by a person named "Bishop Zakaria", two of his brothers named Peter. The Sarkis was renovated over a 10-year period, and in 1401 the church was reopened to pilgrims. The church was also rebuilt in 1691 with black stones, and in 1810 by order of Bishop Simon the Magnificent with white stones.

It is one of the most beautiful armenian church from Iran. The "Black Church" is far away from Maku, but with a taxi driver you can visit this place. From Maku is one hour with car. Is important to return to Maku befor sunset. In winter time, bea careful with car... is little dangerous the road from Maku to Kara Kelisa.

Amazing place , well preserved and restored, a true adventure for history lovers!
And it's a UNESCO world heritage site !

It was little far from the city (Maku) but it was valuable to visit. It was a cultural site and it was the well designed church.

I have been there two years ago. This time was closed cause of Tasooa/Ashoora funeral ceremony in September 2019.

Vorrei visitare altro volte. Forse in Dicembre...

Amazing historical church

It is believed to be one of the oldest church buildings in the world

Such a nice place! Beautiful architecture, history and mountains there!

Such a mysterious place filled with history that will amazed you. Footprints of pasts all over

This beautiful building is the oldest church in the world.

Great place with amazing historical facts

I was baptized here it was pretty lit. ESSKETTITTT