Wadi El Natrun, Egypt
Wadi El Natrun
The Nitrian desert where Christian monasticism was invented — four Coptic monasteries still working the same ground.
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
On the map
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Getting to Wadi El Natrun
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