Coptic Egypt

Genesis of Monasticism

Copts who form the majority of Egyptian Christians are followers of the Coptic Orthodox Church and considered to be part of the descendants of Ancient Egyptians and one of the first peoples to convert to Christianity. In fact, the word "Copt" derives from the Arabic word "Qibt" - or "Gibt" - which derives from the Greek word "Egyptos" meaning "Egypt." The Ancient Egyptian root of the word was "Hikaptah" (Ha-Ka-Ptah), the name Memphis was known by in 3100 BC at the time when it was the first capital of Ancient Egypt.

The Coptic Church traces its spiritual history back to St. Mark, the traditional author of the Gospel of Mark, and considers him to be the founding father of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The history of the Coptic Church is tied to the history of Christian monasticism. The ancient tradition of monasticism continues to be practiced in Egypt and offers a great opportunity to visit Coptic monasteries, such as the monastery of St Simeon in Aswan, St Anthony and St Paul Monasteries in the Red Sea mountains, and Deir Al-Kashef Monastery, an early Coptic monastery in the Western Desert. Some of Egypt’s churches also rank among the oldest Christian landmarks in the world, such as the church of the virgin in Asyut and the Coptic Cathedral of St. Mark in Alexandria.
Several churches and monasteries also mark the Holy Family Journey trail as described in the Bible. Take an angle's advice and "Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt."

Holy Family Journey in Egypt

Follow the Steps of the Virgin and the Child

Many people may know the story of the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, but very few have had the chance to follow their steps. Many Egyptian and international tour operators offer what is commonly called as a “Holy Family Tour.” Depending on its duration, such a tour will take you to the places believed to have been visited by the Holy Virgin and her son on their way through Egypt.

A first stop on such a tour would be the destroyed Ancient Egyptian city of Pelusium, in the Sinai Peninsula, 32 km southeast of Port Said. Archeological excavations taking place on the site have restored a church dating back to the first century. The tour will then probably take you to Tel Basta (near Zagazig, 80 km northeast of Cairo); it is believed that Jesus made a water spring appear on this site. You’ll also visit the nearby site of Belbeis where the story tells that the Virgin and her child rested under a tree, which came to be called "The Virgin Mary’s Tree."

Day 2, you’ll go from Cairo to Sakha town to see Jesus’ footmark marked on a rock. That rock was hidden for centuries in fear of robbery, but it has been unearthed again about 15 years ago.
Before going back to Cairo, you will explore the monasteriesand churches of Wadi Natrun, the Natrun Valley, which was also a stop in the Holy Family journey.

Day 3, you’ll follow the path of the Holy Family after leaving the desert, when they’ve decided to head southwards, to the eastern bank of the Nile in Matariyah and Ain Shams (ancient Heliopolis). You’ll then explore Zeitoun (Olives in Arabic), where the Holy Family rested on its way to Cairo, and more precisely the area where Old Cairo stands today with all its Coptic heritage landmarks.

On Day 4, you will leave Cairo to Minya, to follow the path of the Holy Family south towards Upper Egypt. You will be shown a laurel tree called “the Worshipper” (close by to Gabal el Tair) that is believed to have bowed to Jesus when he was passing by. Even today, it is amazing to see that all the branches of the tree depict the worship movement: inclined downwards, they turn upwards again after trailing on the ground.

On Day 5, from Minya, you’ll cross the Nile again to its West Bank and discover the ruin pile of fallen idols in Al-Ashmounein, and the towns of Dairout and Qussqam.

Day 6, again from Minya, you’ll visit Asyut and the surroundingmonasteries and churches, and then head back to Cairo.

On the last days of your tour, and before returning to Cairoagain, you’ll head to St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai for 2 days. The program usually includes a Mount Moses hike, but to take part in it and enjoy the sunrise, you will have to start the hike at 1-2 am.

Egypt’s Churches

Sanctuaries of Christianity in Egypt

The Hanging Church

The World's Most Famous Coptic Church

Take the steps that lead to one of the most beautiful churches in the Middle East known as the Hanging Church. Built on top of the Roman fortress gatehouse called Babylon, the nave of the Hanging Church is suspended over the passageway.

Located just south of the Coptic Museum in Cairo, the Hanging Church boasts 13 magnificent pillars in its interior, representing Jesus and his 12 apostles. Listen in on the ancient liturgical Coptic language used in service and witness a living vestige of Ancient Egyptian history.

The Cathedral of St. Mark

The Oldest Church in Africa

Visit St. Mark’s Coptic Cathedral the oldest church in Africa and the seat of his Holiness the Pope of Alexandria, Patriarch of all Africa and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Take notice of the beautiful icons and mosaics that fill the silence of the Cathedral with a surreal beauty. Make sure to dress conservatively and respect the sanctity of the location.

The Church of St. George

The Only Round Church in Egypt

The unique Church of St. George is the only round church found in Egypt. Built in the 10th century on top of a Roman tower of the fortified town called Babylon, the church is connected to the Monastery of St. George and is the seat of the Greek Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Ascend the steps along the Roman towers and see a relief of St. George slaying a dragon on the outer brickwork of the wall. Inside, the austere ancient artwork grace the church with depictions of St. George and his quest to defend Christianity.

The Church of St Barbara

A Rebellious Christian Martyr

A small and historically significant church near Abu Serga, the Church of St. Barbara, or "Sitt Barbara" houses some interesting icons and the relics of the Saint herself, who was murdered by her father after attempting to convert him to Christianity.
Many of the treasures of this ancient church can now be found in the Coptic museum which is a two minute walk away. Built between the 4th and 5th centuries this church retains a beautiful ambience owing to the artful icons and its breathtaking Coptic architecture.

While visiting this holy place please be sure to dress modestly.

Church of St. George

At the Al Muharraq Monastery in Asyut

In the compound of the Burnt Monastery (Deir Al Muharraq) is the Church of St. George, in Arabic Mar Gerges. This beautiful church was added to the Deir in 1880, and has some of the most impressive Byzantine style religious paintings in the region, including the famous paintings of the 12 apostles. It is believed that one of the icons of the Madonna and Child was actually painted by St. Luke himself.

The church is shrouded with antiquity and is a silent place. Make sure to dress modestly while visiting the Monastery and take your shoes off when you go into the churches.

From Cairo, you can get to Asyut by train (4/5 hour trip) or by a private taxi.

Church of the Virgin

In Deir Al Muharraq in Asyut

The world’s first Christian church built on the cave in which the Holy Family spent six months and ten days is definitely a place you must visit; it was built around 60 AD!

Located in Deir Al Muharraq, near Asyut, in the Nile Valley, it contains many artefacts brought from Ethiopian churches; the church was rebuilt in either the 12th or 13th century and the architecture is quite interesting to observe.

The monks have been living around this spot since the 4th century and their lives have changed little since.
Please dress conservatively and remove your shoes when you enter the church.

From Cairo, you can get to Asyut by train (4/5 hour trip), by bus or by a private taxi.

Abu Serga

The Church of St Sergius & Bacchus

The church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Cairo. Coptic tradition has it that the church was built over the site where the Holy Family once rested during its journey into Egypt.
The event is commemorated every year on June 1st with a mass.

See the crypt where Jesus may have rested, marvel at the sight of 24 marble columns that line the courtyard and examine 12th century iconostasis that depict the 12 apostles

Monasteries

Bastions of Christianity in Egypt

Deir Al-Kashef Monastery

Majestic Coptic Ruins in the Western Desert

Strategically situated to overlook a crossroad of the Western Desert, the Monastery of Al-Kashef stands over the cliffs north of the Necropolis of Al-Bagawat, near the oasis of Kharga.

Walk or drive from the necropolis to see impressive mud-brick ruins and fallen arched corridors that date back to the early Christian period.

Deir As-Surian

The Syrian Monastery in Wadi Natrun

Around half a kilometer from St. Bishoi Monastery, is Deir As-Surian or the Syrian Monastery which, of the four in Wadi Natrun is most renowned for its exquisite frescoes, icons, and other religious artwork.

This Monastery gets its name from times long ago when many Syrian monks called it home. The church of the Virgin was built in Deir As-Surian around the cave in which St. Bishoi spent most of his days and is a lovely and serene place of worship; with its charming gardens and scenic desert backdrop this monastery is one of the most pleasant to visit in the region. As with all of the monasteries of Egypt, modest dress is required.

Wadi Natrun is located 100 km northwest of Cairo in theWestern Desert. The only way to get there is by car or by bus. West Delta Buses leave every hour from the Heliopolis station.

Monastery of St Simeon in Aswan

Deir Anba Semaan

A spiritual experience awaits you on top of a hill opposite the south end of the Elephantine Island in Aswan. Reached by foot on the riverbank, the Coptic Monastery of St Simeon has been preserved from the 6th century, and is one of the largest Coptic monasteries in the world.
Its original name was "Anba Hatre Monastery", and due to a water shortage a century after it was built, it was abandoned and left untouched for many years.
Take a look around the monastery and gaze at the view from the top of the hill: look down at the desert below; you’ll surely appreciate the wonders of nature and life.

Ticket Price(s):
Regular: 20 EGP
Student: 10 EGP

Opening Hours: 8 am – 4 pm (winter), 7 am – 5 pm (summer)

Deir Abu Makar

The Oldest Monastery in Wadi Natrun

Also known as "Deir Anba Makarius Al-Akbar", Deir Abu Makar is the oldest and most secluded of the Wadi Natrun monasteries.

The monastery is named after Saint Makarius the Great, an Egyptian monk who lived in a cave and spent his days in prayer. Upon his death, his fellow hermit monks buried him in his cave and built a monastery around it. His relics lay there to this day.

Later on, an imposing defensive wall was built around this fortress/monastery to protect it from Bedouin attacks. A large number of Coptic patriarchs were chosen from this monastery and all of them were buried there. Their solemn epitaphs and the beautiful icons of Deir Anba Makarius are a must-see on anyWadi Natrun visit. Modest dress is expected.

Wadi Natrun is located 100 km northwest of Cairo in theWestern Desert. The only way to get there is by car or by bus. West Delta Buses leave every hour from the Heliopolis station.

The Red Sea Monasteries of

St. Anthony and St. Paul

The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul are the oldest Christian monasteries; they both date back to the 4th century AD, when monks began to settle at the foot of the Red Seamountain of Galala Al-Qibliya, in hidden cliffs and caves. Bothmonasteries are considered as the holiest sites of the Coptic Church in Egypt.

Located off the Zafarana Road leading to Beni Suef, some 70 km south from Ain Sukhna, 45 km from Hurghada City, the Monastery of St Anthony is a large complex encircled by high walls, including churches, chapels, a bakery, a garden and a spring, celebrating the father of monasticism, Saint Anthony. Things have evolved drastically from the time when back in the 4th century, there were only a few hermits hiding in these cliffs.

After a hike through the cliffs and plateaus of the Galala Al-Qibliya Mountain, you can reach the monastery of St Paul, which was built in the 4th century by hermits who had chosen to isolate themselves from the material world at the very same location where Saint Paul had chosen to live in a cave for 90 years.

Both monasteries are worth a visit, even if you’re not interested in the spiritual aspect of the experience. The beauty of the view you’ll catch from up above will make this an unforgettable trip.
Daytrips to St Anthony and St Paul Monasteries can be arranged through any travel agent in Hurghada, or with the help of your hotel. The tour operator you’ll choose will arrange your pick-up from your hotel in the early morning and drop-back at the same location in the late afternoon.

St Mena Monastery

In Honour of the 4th Century Martyr

Located approximately 50 km southwest of Alexandria, the small village-town of Abu-Mina is home to St. Mena (Mina) monastery. St Mena is believed to have fallen as a martyr in the early 4th century when the Roman Empire was persecuting Christians. A modern monastery has been built on the location of an ancient church, where the Saint’s remains are believed to be buried. A German archeological team has been working at Abu Mina since 1969.

Buses depart regularly from Alexandria’s new station (Baheej Station), to Abu-Mina. After reaching Abu-Mina, you can catch a microbus to get to the monastery.

St. Catherine's Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

St. Catherine’s monastery is located at the foot of Mount Moses to honour the site of the burning bush depicted in the Old Testament.

With a spectacular natural backdrop, St. Catherine’s monastery has priceless multicultural works of art that include icons, mosaics, oil paintings and one of the largest collections of illuminated manuscripts.

St. Bishoi Monastery

A Haven of Peace in Wadi Natrun

Deir Anba Bishoi in Wadi Natrun, not far from Cairo, is an image of serenity. It includes a church which holds the body of the Saint Bishoi, founder of the monastery, as well as several other saints; his body is still intact in a "tube-like" coffin, which is taken on procession around the church on July 17th each year.

You can sit in the garden of this monastery, or wander around the new cathedral and watch the resident monks go about their daily chores; you can also enjoy lovely views of the desert from its rooftop. Please dress modestly while visiting the CopticMonasteries.

Wadi Natrun is located 100 km northwest of Cairo in theWestern Desert. The only way to get there is by car or by bus. West Delta Buses leave every hour from the Heliopolis station.

The Necropolis of Al-Bagawat

One of the World's Oldest Christian Cemetary

The Necropolis of Al-Bagawat is one of the oldest Christian cemeteries in the world. While most of the tombs are unadorned mud-brick crypts, a few have well preserved biblical scenes etched on the walls.

On site guides are more than willing to take you to see paintings of Moses, Jesus and Abraham and other colourfultombs for a tip.

Ticket Price(s):
Regular: 30 EGP
Student: 15 EGP

Red Monastery

Founded by a Converted Thief

Located near Sohag, in the Nile Valley, Deir Al-Ahmar, or the Red Monastery, has been so named after the building material it is made from: burnt bricks.
Situated in a small village near Sohag, the monastery is still mostly standing, which isn’t sadly the case of the nearby White Monastery.

The Red Monastery is believed to have been founded by a thief who converted to Christianity and became a disciple of St. Shenouda (founder of the White Monastery); it was dedicated to St. Bishoi which led some time to confusion between this monastery and the one in Wadi Natrun. The chapel of St. Bishoi in Deir Al-Ahmar has some fascinating and intricate frescoes.

Deir Al Muharraq in Asyut

Home to the Church of the Virgin

Located near Asyut, this is an especially significant Coptic location; it is home to three churches. One of which - Church of Al-Adhra (Church of the Virgin) - is the first ever consecrated Christian church.

Deir Al Muharraq translates into the "Burnt Monastery" due to damages it sustained during raids by invaders; it is one of the holiest Christian sites in Egypt as it is believed that the holy family stayed in a cave here for over six months as they fled through the land of the Pharaohs.

This monastery is a sanctified and peaceful place. Every year, for one week in August, it is home to a feast attended by masses of pilgrims.

From Cairo, you can get to Asyut by train (4/5 hour trip) or by a private taxi.

Convent of the Holy Virgin

A Stop on the Holy Family Journey

Beautifully located on the mountains above Asyut, this Convent was built next to a cave that the Holy Family is believed to have rested in as they fled through Egypt; the cave was also used as a quarry in the time of the Pharaohs.

Enjoy the views of the Nile Valley from this cliff side convent, and walk into the holy cave where you can see baptismal founts and beautiful icons.

If it is late August you can take part in the Festival of the Virgin and join the procession of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims carrying icons of Mary and Jesus to the cave to experience the spirit of Coptic Egypt.

Baramouse Monastery

In Wadi Natrun

Also known as the Roman Monastery, Deir Baramouse is the northernmost of the Wadi Natrun Monasteries.

This monastic community offers some of the most beautiful icons and wall paintings in the region, as well as ruins of the monastery in previous ages.
There is much you can see here, including the ancient enclosure wall, the Church of the Holy Virgin with its two chapels and baptistery, and the Church of St. John the Baptist.

One of the monastery's refectories is open to visitors and boasts a massive stone table that takes up almost all of the room, and there is even a guest house for visitors. Please make sure to dress modestly while visiting the monastery.

Wadi Natrun is located 100 km northwest of Cairo in theWestern Desert. The only way to get there is by car or by bus. West Delta Buses leave every hour from the Heliopolis station inCairo.

White Monastery

Deir Anba Shenouda near Sohag

Deir Al Abyad, Deir Anba Shenouda, The Monastery of St. Shenute and the White Monastery are all names of this early Coptic Monastery.

It’s refered to as the White Monastery because of its very light limestone walls, the stones of which were taken from Pharaonic temples to build it in the beginning of the 4th century.

If you look closely you can see ancient reliefs still visible on the stones of this once huge monastery which at one time housed the largest library in Egypt. There is a new church in the ruins of the site located near the original church and renovations are being carried out at present.

The Coptic Museum

The Coptic Heritage of Egypt on Display

See the distinctive blend of cultures at the Coptic Museum inCairo where are displayed hundreds of Christian Egyptian documents, statues and artefacts in which you'll distinct Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influence.
Take a breath of fresh air in a peaceful courtyard surrounded by green gardens when you need to relax.

The Coptic Museum is located within the Roman fortress town called Babylon in Old Cairo, step into the past and walk by the fusion of cultures inside and outside the museum in a place as old as history.

Opening hours: 09:00- 16:00

Ticket Price(s):
Regular: 50 EGP
Student: 25 EGP