Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
22
Hamsafar
B2
23
Iran Peyma
B2
24
Seiro Safar
B2
25
TBT
B1
AROUND ENQELAB SQUARE
Unfortunately, the police aggressively dissuade photography of the 1932 European-style
civic hall
(Enqelab Sq)
.
St Mary's
(Kalisa Neneh Mariyam; off Kalisa Lane; 8am-4pm or on request)
According to local
Assyrian Orthodox Christians, St Mary's was founded by St Thomas on the gravesite of
one of the Biblical magi, the pre-Islamic Persian priests who trotted across to Bethlehem
to greet the infant Jesus, inventing Christmas presents in the process. This, the Assyrian
Christians claim, makes it the world's oldest still-standing church. In fact the structure
you'll see doesn't really feel that old. It still contains four antique tombstones including
that of the supposed magus but his mummified body was apparently 'kidnapped' by
Soviet troops during WWII and taken to Kiev.
CHURCH
Other Churches
Don't confuse old St Mary's with the new St Mary's in the same courtyard or with the
Assyrian Protestant church that's visible from nearby
Khayyam St
where Orumiyeh's
youth make their nightly
passeggiata
(nightly stroll).
CHURCH
OTHER LOCATIONS
Orumiyeh Museum
( 224 6520; Daneshkadeh St; admission US$1; 9am-1pm & 4-7pm Tue-Sun)
Fron-
ted by two stone rams, this small but richly endowed museum displays fabulously ancient
pottery and fine cuneiform inscription stones. Its most eye-catching exhibit is a replica of
a priceless golden chalice beautifully embossed with charioteers.
MUSEUM
Marsarjis Church
CHURCH
