Destination
Meryem Ana Kilisesi
It is located to the east of Harput Kalesi. Since the rock masses of the castle form its western wall, the church appears to be embedded in the rocks of the castle. Meryem Ana Kilisesi, one of the oldest temples in Anatolia, is also known by the names Kızıl Kilise, Süryani Kilisesi and Yakubi Kilisesi.
Meryem Ana Kilisesi and 6 places around it
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Highlights
- Faith heritage
Good for
- Heritage walks
Suggested visit:45 minutes
It is located to the east of Harput Kalesi. Since the rock masses of the castle form its western wall, the church appears to be embedded into the rocks of the castle. Meryem Ana Kilisesi, one of the oldest temples of Anatolia, is also known by the names Kızıl Kilise, Süryani Kilisesi and Yakubi Kilisesi. The building, thought to have been built around A.D. 179, is believed to have first been used by the pagans in the castle for storing idols, and that the Jacobite Christians later converted it into a church. The church, approximately 20X8 meters in size, is located to the east of Harput and near the northeastern corner of the castle, on a high rock.
The church consists of four sections. In the first section, the sarcophagus and the monolithic stone lid on it with its Syriac inscription, and in the second section, the wall in the form of a wish stone wall, onto which small stones are attached while making a wish, are noteworthy. The third section, which is the worship area, and the fourth section, consisting of two symmetrical rooms, are the other parts of the church. Meryem Ana Kilisesi, whose western wall is entirely rock, is one of our most important ancient churches that has managed to survive to the present day and is one of the important cultural heritages not only of our country but of the world. This church was repaired in A.D. 1135, 1179 and 1262.
Places to Visit in Elazığ Address: Harput - Elazığ
Last updated: 22 October 2026
Location and surroundings
Meryem Ana Kilisesi sits within Elazığ merkez, Elazığ. The toroti catalogue holds 33 described stops across Elazığ, 26 of them in Elazığ merkez.
The nearest stop is Cimşit Bey Hamamı, 150 m to the southwest. Another 6 catalogued points lie within a 30 km radius.
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Frequently asked
- What is Meryem Ana Kilisesi?
- It is located to the east of Harput Kalesi. Since the rock masses of the castle form its western wall, the church appears to be embedded in the rocks of the castle. Meryem Ana Kilisesi, one of the oldest temples in Anatolia, is also known by the names Kızıl Kilise, Süryani Kilisesi and Yakubi Kilisesi.
- Where is Meryem Ana Kilisesi?
- Meryem Ana Kilisesi is in Elazığ merkez, Elazığ.
- How long does it take to visit Meryem Ana Kilisesi?
- The suggested visit time for Meryem Ana Kilisesi is about 45 minutes.
- What else is there to see near Meryem Ana Kilisesi?
- toroti’s catalogue holds other destinations within 30 km of Meryem Ana Kilisesi; the closest are Cimşit Bey Hamamı, Harput Ulu Cami, Mansur Baba Türbesi.