Old monastery

The monastery is overlooked by a thick defense wall fortified with buttresses and towers for added protection. The monastery was generally high enough to repel attacks from below, but was vulnerable to attackers who would tumble boulders downhill to breach it from above. Along the wall can also be found a large reservoir, a tower containing some tombs, and the remnants of old buildings. At night, it is possible to clearly see Mosul's twinkling skyline.