ST ANTONY & ST PAUL MONASTERIES

Take a tour to the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul and explore the history and culture of ancient Egypt at the Coptic monasteries. 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 Sea Mountain, in hidden cliffs and cryptic caves. Both monasteries are considered as the holiest venues of the Coptic Church in Egypt.

The Monastery of St. Anthony is a large complex surrounded by high walls, including churches, chapels, a garden and a spring, glorifying the father of monasticism Saint Anthony. More than 1600 years ago this was the home of the eremite Antony, who lived in a cave up on the mountain in 680 meters above sea level.

If you climb up to the saint’s cell you can see writings and depictions. When you look outside you have a gorgeous view over the mountains and the desert while on the horizon you can even see the Red Sea. You can see here the ancient Coptic Church where the holy man is buried and well preserved medieval drawings.

After a rise through the cliffs and plateaus of the mountains, 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 materialistic world at the same site where Saint Paul had chosen to live in a cave for 90 years. You have also a chance to visit the beautiful cellar that is located deeply under the level of the monastery and ornamented by colorful frescos.

Both monasteries are worth a visit, even if you’re not interested in the spiritual side of the experience. The beauty of the sights you’ll catch from up above will make the tour