St Thaddeus Monastery, Iran
St Thaddeus Monastery also known as the Black Church (locally called Ghara Kelisa) is an Armenian monastery located in the mountainous area of West Azarbaijan Province near the town of Maku, Iran. According to the legend a church was built on the present site of the monastery in year 68 and dedicated to the Saint Thaddeus who was martyred in the 1st century during spread of Christianity in Iran.The original church was rebuilt after earthquake in 13th century although some parts of the present structure date from 10th century. The complex went through rebuilding and renovation works over the following centuries as well, while the present structure mostly dates from 17th century. The last alterations and new additions were made in the 19th century during reparation works. The old sections are from black stone, hence its name the Black Church.
St Thaddeus Monastery is one of the oldest Armenian monasteries in the world. It was inscribed UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2008.
