NHibernate.MappingException: No persister for: XYZ

Something obvious, yet quite useful for someone new to NHibernate.

All XML Mapping files should be treated as Embedded Resources rather than the default Content. This option is set by editing the Build Action attribute in the file's properties.

XML files are then embedded into the assembly, and parsed at project startup during NHibernate's configuration phase.

Sounds like you forgot to add a mapping assembly to the session factory configuration..

If you're using app.config...

.
.
    <property name="show_sql">true</property>
    <property name="query.substitutions">true 1, false 0, yes 'Y', no 'N'</property>
    <mapping assembly="Project.DomainModel"/>  <!-- Here -->
</session-factory>
.
.