About Saint Mary Church (also known as Mart Maryam or Naneh Maryam) in Urmia, Iran:
Traditionally believed to date back to the 1st century AD, with local lore suggesting the structure was originally a Zoroastrian fire temple whose priests witnessed the birth of Christ, Saint Mary Church is considered one of the oldest churches in the world, considered by some historians to be the second oldest church in Christendom after the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
The current, modest building is a mix of ancient and renovated architecture, considered by some historians to be the second oldest church in Christendom after the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in the West Bank.. It features, in part, a 10th-century structure, though it has been repaired many times over centuries.The interior features simple, solemn, and historic design elements, with stone plaques on the courtyard walls that reflect the history of the Assyrian people.
It serves as a major place of worship for the local Assyrian community, particularly on special occasions.
Traveling to Saint Mary Church (also known as Mart Maryam or Naneh Maryam) in Urmia, Iran:
The church is located on Khayyam Street in the city of Urmia.