World-famous for being home to incredible pyramids, Egypt is a mesmerizing country that greets a plethora of history buffs and tourists every year. The Great Sphinx and the magnificent Giza pyramid complex experience a great influx of visitors from all corners of the world. The pleasant Nile River Valley enhances the charm of the country. The Valley of the Kings housing tombs and the Karnak Temple in Luxor are other landmarks worth visiting in Egypt. In addition to these millennia-old monuments, Egypt is also famous for being home to outstanding monasteries. Visiting various well-known monasteries here will enrich your travel experience. And, if you are browsing the web to learn about the famous monasteries in Egypt, look no further. Read on to learn about some of the monasteries to visit in Egypt, to discover the spiritual side of the country.
1. Monastery of Saint Anthony
Delve into the history of Egypt by visiting the Monastery of Saint Anthony, which dates back to the fourth century. It is famous for being the oldest life monastery, and you can find it in an oasis deep near the Red Sea Mountains in the country’s sprawling Eastern Desert. The historic church of Saint Anthony is famous for being the highlight of this Coptic Orthodox monastery. Also, the monk cells, monastery farm, a water creek, and towers are other landmarks worth seeing. Today, this incredible monastery is a huge complex with towering walls, a verdant garden, many churches, and a bakery present in its surroundings. Monks staying in the monastery have devoted their lives to worship God.
Monastery of Saint Anthony
Address: Creams Road branching from Ain Sokhna Road Hurghada, Ras Gharib, Red Sea Governate, Egypt
Website: Monastery of Saint Anthony
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great (from USD 29.0)
Discover the rich Christian history of Egypt by visiting the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great at Wadi El Natrun, which is about 92 kilometers (57.16 miles) northwest of Cairo. The monastery is also famous as Dayr Aba Maqār. Saint Macarius, who is known to be the first monk to reside in the valley, constructed it in the 4th century. Of the several monasteries that were present in the valley once upon a time, only four persist today. And this Coptic Orthodox monastery is one of them. Have a word with the monks and priests there, and learn about their beliefs and daily life.
Cairo to Wadi El-Natrun Monasteries Private Full-Day Tour
Duration: 8 hours
3. St. Simeon Coptic Monastery (1 USD)
Well-known for being one of the earliest Coptic monasteries on the globe, St. Simeon Coptic Monastery interests several history buffs visiting Egypt. This archaeological treasure dates back to the 6th century. A mesmerizing felucca ride on the charming Nile River will take you to the monastery. Watch sweeping views of magnificent Egyptian landscape as you head out to the monastery ruins on a camel ride. Even though the monastery is in ruins, its several features, such as tombstones, the domed Christian church, tower, kilns, and frescos, are well-preserved. Stroll around the historic structure and learn about the ruins of the lower and upper terrace, vaulted corridor, the principal church, and refectory.
St. Simeon Coptic Monastery
Address: Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Website:
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD
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4. Coptic White Monastery
The Coptic White Monastery is in the vicinity of the Upper Egyptian cities and 2.5 miles (4.02 kilometers) to the southeast of the Red Monastery. The white limestone gracing its exterior walls gives it the name White Monastery. The architecture of the historic structure is identical to that of the Red Monastery. Within a few decades of its establishment, the monastery became home to 4,000 monastics as per the records. The second abbot here is famous for incorporating one of the biggest literacy programs of his time. The Church of St. Shenoute is named in his honor. Also, the library, which came into existence around his era, is famous for being one of the biggest in the Christian world.
Coptic White Monastery
Address: Nagaa Al Dear Al Abied Al Bahri - Nagaa Hamed, ADFA, Sohag, Sohag Governorate, Egypt
Website: Coptic White Monastery
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Red Monastery
By heading out to the north of the magnificent White Monastery, you will find the noteworthy Red Monastery in Egypt. Pshoi, who was a monk here, founded it in the 4th century, and it is famous for its historic significance. The church at the monastery was developed in the initial 6th century, and it features the most impressive and comprehensive wall paintings. Get an insight into the rich history of the country by viewing these exquisite wall paintings.
Red Monastery
Address: The Monastery of St. Begoul, St. Bishay, Adva, Sohag Center, Sohag, Egypt
Website: Red Monastery
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite (from USD 219.0)
The Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite is a magnificent 5th-century monastery that you should certainly visit during your excursion here. Find it about 155 kilometers (96.31 miles) southeast of the capital of Egypt in the Eastern Desert. It is also famous as the Monastery of Tigers, probably due to the wilderness in the surroundings. Coptic Orthodox monastery stands in honor of the revered saints and anchorites of Egypt. Learn about well-known St. Paul, St. Anthony, and the rich history of the monastery and country.
Cairo St Anthony and St Paul Monasteries Private Full-Day Tour
Duration: 12 hours
7. Monastery of Saint Mary Deipara
At about 500 meters (1640.42 feet) northwest of the famous Monastery of Saint Pishoy, you will find the sacred Monastery of Saint Mary Deipara in Wadi El Natrun. As it stands in honor of the Virgin Mary, it is famous as the Monastery of Saint Mary. The Coptic Orthodox monastery stands in the Nitrian Desert and it is a part of an active monastic oasis. Various sources believe that it came into existence in the 6th century. As the monks of West Syriac Rite had used the monastery from the 8th century to the 14th century, it is also famous as the Syrian monastery.
Monastery of Saint Mary Deipara
Address: Wadi Al-Natrun, Deir El-Siryan Road, El Beheira Governorate, Egypt
Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)
8. St. Mina Monastery
Get an insight into the incredible history of Egypt and learn about revered saints and their miracles by visiting St. Mina Monastery. Head out to the Western Desert in the vicinity of Alexandria to find this sacred place. The modern structure is found near the ruins of sacred Abu Mena, the original pilgrimage area. As the monastery is in the small town of Abu Mena, it is also famous as the Abu Mena monastery. Learn interesting facts and have an enriching experience.
St. Mina Monastery
Address: 9 Mar-Mina Rd, Qetaa Maryout, Qesm Borg Al Arab, Alexandria Governorate 21934, Egypt
Website: St. Mina Monastery
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
9. Monastery of Saint Pishoy
Visit the well-known Monastery of Saint Pishoy, one of the most ancient monasteries in Wadi El Natrun, when touring Egypt. It gets its name from its patron Saint Pishoy, who established it in the fourth century. The monastery is home to the relics of Saint Pishoy, Paul of Tammah, and many other saints. Delve into the rich history and spiritual past as you tour the monastery.
Monastery of Saint Pishoy
Address: Wadi El-Natrun, Der Baba Bishoy Road, El Beheira Governorate 22856, Egypt
Website: Monastery of Saint Pishoy
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12am - 11:59pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
10. Sacred Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai (St. Catherine's Monastery) (from USD 55.0)
Visit this Greek Orthodox monastery, which is home to an untouched collection of manuscripts and icons. It is one of the oldest consistently inhabited monasteries on the globe. The monastery stands on the location where God appeared on the burning bush and blessed Moses. So, it has great spiritual significance. As you tour the monastery, marvel at the impressive artworks and praiseworthy architecture. Also, take time out to view pristine chapels present here.
Sharm-El-Sheikh: St. Catherine’s Monastery and Dahab City
Duration: 10 hour
An enriching experience in the land of the pharaohs
Egypt is indeed a mesmerizing destination that intrigue plenty of travelers worldwide. And, visiting various monasteries in Egypt acquaints you with the rich history and spiritual side of the country. So, make sure that you visit all these monasteries in Egypt during your upcoming holidays to the land of the pharaohs, and enrich your travel experience.
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