The Most Important Historical Monasteries in Egypt

Christianity was introduced in Egypt as early as the 3rd century. Since that date, many interesting Christian establishments were constructed in the land of the Nile. This includes churches, monasteries, chapels, and much more. These Christian historical monuments grab the attention of many tourists who travel to Egypt.

Monasticism as a concept started to emerge in Egypt at the end of the 3rd century AD. The main idea of monasticism is that the Copt leaves his family and community and goes to live alone in the desert to worship god. The ideas then developed that many monasteries were built to accommodate these monks.

The cruelty of the Roman rulers in treating the Egyptian Copts contributed to the appearance of the idea of monasticism as the Christians used to escape and resort to the desert. Today the land of the Nile hosts many quite remarkable monasteries that included in many travel packages in Egypt.

The Monastery of Saint Catherine

Due to its ancient history and significant geographical location at the bottom of one of the highest mountains in Sinai, the Monastery of Saint Catherine is perhaps the most important historical monastery in the country visited by hundreds of travelers who tour Egypt every day.

The Monastery of Saint Catherine is the oldest inhabited monastery in the whole world. Empress Helena constructed it in the 4tth century. However, most of the buildings were actually carried out in the reign of the Emperor Justinian at the middle of the 6th century. The monastery is dedicated to the soul of Catherine, a Coptic martyr who lived in Alexandria and was killed by her father because she converted to Christianity.

The Paromeos Monastery

Located in the Wadi Natrun region in Egypt, the Paromeos Monastery is a huge complex that covers a surface area of more than two acres. The monastery, that is famous for being the monastery of the Romans, welcomes many tourists who travel to Egypt.

The Roman Emperor Valentine constructed the Paromeos Monastery in the 4th century AD. It was afterwards renovated in the 6th century. The monastery is famous for hosting the remains of some important Coptic saints. This is besides a large collection of icons from various periods of history. A lot of travel packages to Egypt include a visit to the Paromeos Monastery.

Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great

The Monastery of Saint Macarius is considered to be among the holiest monasteries in Egypt. This is where the Egyptian pope usually resides as well. The monastery hosts the dead bodies of some of the most iconic Egyptian Coptic saints and monks. Explored by some travellers who visit Egypt, the monastery, built in the 4th century, is featured with some notable architectural elements.

The Monastery of Saint Antony

Located near Ain El Sokhna in the Red Sea region of Egypt, the Monastery of Saint Antony is the first monastery to be built in the whole world. Egyptian Copts regards Saint Antony to be the first monk in history.

With a surface area of 18 acres, the monastery still preserves some original elements including some towers, the library, and many some remarkable wall paintings. The monastery is included in several tours to Egypt.

The Syrian Monastery

Established in the 4th century in a location visited by the holy family during their visit to Egypt, the Syrian Monastery has a surface area of one acre and it is among the most popular Christian monuments visited by many tourists who travel to Egypt.

The Monastery, that is originally called the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, was named the Syrian Monastery because a large number of monks who came from Syria in the period from the 8th till the 16th century resorted to it. The monastery has some unmatched original architectural elements.