Wadi El Natrun, Egypt
Wadi El Natrun
The Egyptian desert where monk life began. Four Coptic monasteries still work the same land today.
Biblical significance
From the fourth century thousands of hermits filled this depression between Cairo and Alexandria, and the Sayings of the Desert Fathers were collected from their cells. Four monasteries survive: Deir Anba Bishoi, Deir el-Baramus, Deir el-Suriani and Deir Abu Maqar. Fortified keeps built against Bedouin raids still stand inside the walls, reached by drawbridge.
Scripture
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Best time to go
November to March.
Visitor notes
Reachable in a day from Cairo. Some monasteries close to visitors during fasts — check first.
Coordinates
30.4000, 30.3333
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