Summary

• The article highlights Egypt’s significant Christian history, from the Holy Family’s refuge to Saint Mark introducing Christianity, establishing Egypt as a central hub for Coptic culture.
• It details important Christian monuments and monasteries, including the Hanging Church and Abu Serga Church, each with unique historical and architectural significance.
• Descriptions reveal a mix of Coptic, Byzantine, and Islamic influences in these sites, showcasing intricate designs, icons, and religious artwork.
• Several sites serve as key pilgrimage locations, emphasizing their spiritual significance and connection to historical events in Christianity.
• The article mentions restoration and UNESCO recognition for some sites, highlighting the importance of preserving these ancient landmarks.
• It also touches on newer Christian landmarks like the Heavenly Cathedral, showing the ongoing evolution of Christian heritage in Egypt.

The Christian Monuments and Monasteries in Egypt are extraordinary, offering every traveler the chance to enjoy their time to the fullest. This article’s main goal is to provide every traveler with all the information and details about the many Christian monuments and monasteries in Egypt. All the information in this article was written by a group of very experienced tour guides, tour operators, and travel consultants who know everything. The history of ancient Egypt is rich without limits, created for thousands of years to hold the most incredible collections of artifacts from different ages and cultures.

The history of Christianity in Egypt dates very far as the holy family of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus crossed Egypt seeking refugee from the mad King Herod. Christianity is said to have entered Egypt by the Apostle Saint Mark after the death of Jesus. Christianity spread quickly in Egypt after the fall of the Roman Empire and became the new official religion for 400 years from the 3rd AD to the 7th AD; Egypt was the center and hub for the Coptic culture. Across the route which the holy family took, a church was built. The Egyptians accepted the religion for its similarities with the ancient Egyptian dogma and concepts like the afterlife, resurrection, and even the symbol of Christianity. The cross was very similar to the Egyptian Ankh. The old city of Cairo became the center of various churches and a true example of Christian architecture from the beginning of the 5th century till today which had a vital role in role in the formation of Egypt.

Egypt tourism centers around pharaonic history and culture like the ancient deities, the afterlife, the celestial pharaohs across all the major cities like Luxor & Aswan, and for the current dominant religion, Islam, where the city of Cairo is filled with countless enchanting mosques and Islamic monuments but what most travelers maybe not be aware off is Christian religion had a huge impact on Egypt thousands of years ago where it transformed and adapted over the centuries and played a huge role in shaping the landscape of the entire country. Here are the top 12 Christian monuments and monasteries in Egypt:

1. The Hanging Church

All historians agree that the Hanging church, a.k.a. the Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is the true embodiment of the entire Coptic era. It is the oldest and most important church in Cairo, famous for its abnormal position as it was built on top of a gatehouse in the 4th century BC on the southern wall of the Roman fortress of Babylon, and its hanging appearance is because of its nave is suspended over the passage. It was designed to serve as the official residence of the Coptic Orthodox Pope in 1047 and the operating center of the Coptic patriarch, and it was the center for general elections & religious ceremonies across the years.

The architectural style of the magnificent Hanging church is a beautiful blend of Coptic, Byzantine, and early Islamic influences, showcasing intricately carved wooden screens, marble columns, and stunning religious artwork. Inside the Hanging Church is a marvelous collection of ancient icons, elaborate frescoes, and ornate decorations that depict biblical scenes and Coptic Christian symbolism. The church holds significant religious importance for the Coptic community and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike who seek to explore its historical and spiritual significance.

2. Abu Serga Church

The Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, a.k.a Abu Serga Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt & world as it was constructed in the 5th or the 8th century inside the ancient Roman fort of Babylon near the Hanging church. This church was built on the place the holy family stayed in while on the run from Herod and to honor two Martyrs named Sergius and Bacchus, who were Roman officers, after the discovery that both of them were secret Christians.

The church is believed to have been built on the site where Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus sought refuge during their flight into Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution. Its architectural style reflects a blend of different eras due to these renovations, combining elements of early Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic architecture. The interior of Abu Serga features intricate Coptic artwork, beautiful wooden screens, and ancient icons that depict religious scenes. The church holds special importance for Coptic Christians and is a pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual connection and historical context related to the Holy Family’s journey.

3. The Church of Saint George

The church of Saint George was built in the 10th century by the 20th Orthodox bishop of Alexandria, Athanasius, on the northern tower of the fortress of Babylon but was destroyed by a massive fire. Completely then, a new church was built between 1904 and 1909 on top of an ancient Roman tower in the same location. The church is dedicated to Saint George who was a Palestinian conscript in the Roman army and was executed in 303 AD by Emperor Diocletian for practicing Christianity.

The Church of Saint George is recognized for its architectural significance and its brilliance. The church’s interior houses beautiful Coptic artwork, ancient icons, and religious artifacts that depict the history and traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Church of Saint George has undergone various renovations and restorations over the centuries, like the rest of the Coptic attractions in Egypt, thus preserving its historical and religious legacy. It remains an essential pilgrimage site and a place of worship for Coptic Christians to this day.

4. Saint Catherine Monastery

The Saint Catherine Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery also known as the Sacred Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai and the Monastery of the Transfiguration. It is one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites in Egypt. It is located on Mount Sinai at an altitude of 1500 m (5000 ft) above sea level within a narrow valley just north of Mount Musa in the Sinai Peninsula. It was built in 527 AD by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I around the site where Mosses had seen the burning bush.

St. Catherine of Alexandria was a 3rd-century martyr who was tortured to death by her father for succeeding in converting 50 of his followers to Christianity in 307 AD, so the monastery was built in her honor and memory. The monastery is the home to the oldest operating library in the world, which is the home to a collection of 4,500 manuscripts and codices like the Syriac Sinaiticus, which pre-dates the Codex Sinaiticus and was crucial in fully understanding the history of the New Testament.

5. Monastery of Saint Anthony

The monastery of Saint Anthony is a unique holy site located within an oasis in the eastern Sahara at the front of Khelsm Mountain that looks over the Red Sea near Hurghada, where it is believed to be located where St. Anthony once lived inside a cave as a monk. It was constructed in 356 AD by Saint Anthony’s followers, who were the first Christian saints and the first to establish a monastic community in the Coptic age of Egypt.

It is one of the oldest and still standing monasteries in the world. It is filled with many chapels, churches, and constructions like a bakery. The library possesses more than 1700 documents and many artifacts, like old paintings dating to the 7th, 8th, and 13th centuries.

6. Monastery of Saint Paul

The monastery of Saint Paul, known as “Deir Mar Boulos” is a Coptic Orthodox facility built in the 5th century anddedicated to the hermit St. Paul of Thebes. It is built in the shape of a fortress to protect it from continuous raids. It lies in the eastern desert of Egypt near the Red Sea Mountains, about 155 km (96 mi) southeast of Cairo. Paul lived alone in a cave for more than 90 years, where he became a hermit in the eastern desert; in AD 343, the 90-year-old Anthony searched for Paul, and they became friends until Paul’s death.

Saint Paul, the Anchorite way of life, had an ascetic and solitary life, and he is considered one of the first Christian hermits. The monastery complex consists of several churches, chapels, cells for monks, and other structures, many of which have undergone renovations and expansions throughout the centuries. The architecture reflects a blend of Coptic, Byzantine, and early Christian styles. Across the years, the church has faced challenges such as invasions, destruction, and restoration efforts over its long history. Today, the church remains an important pilgrimage site and a symbol of the endurance of Egypt’s Christian heritage.

7. Wadi el-Natroun

Wadi el-Natroun, a.k.a Scetis, is one of the only remaining Christian monastic centers, a valley located about 62 miles from Cairo. In ancient Egypt, it was important as it was full of the carbonated sodium needed for the performance of the mummification process. It was also very vital for the Romans, who found the area to also be a source of silica which they used for creating glass.

However, while this wadi was full of resources, it had another use, which was a safe haven for all the fleeing Christians from Roman persecution. At one point, Wadi el-Natroun was full of monasteries that fell victim to the effects of time, climate, and Bedouin raids. Four monasteries only exist and can be seen today;

1. The Monastery of El-Suryan
2. The Monastery of Abu Makar
3. The Monastery of Baramus
4. The Monastery of Anba Bishoy

8. Abu Mena Church

The Abu Mena is a UNESCO heritage site, a monetary complex, and a Christian pilgrimage center that came to be in the late 3rd century AD. It is located 50 km (31 mi) southwest of Alexandria and most of the original structure has disappeared over time, the major buildings like the great basilica are still very visible. The monastery was put on the list of endangered world heritage in 2001 and inducted as a world heritage site in 1979.

The church of Abu Mena is solely dedicated to the sacrifice of Saint Menas, who was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and then transformed into a significant figure in Egyptian culture, particularly revered for his miracles. The site gained prominence after his death, with a church and monastery constructed to honor him. The Church of Abu Mena was renowned for its unique architectural grandeur and religious significance that conveyed a lot of facts and tales. It attracted pilgrims from various parts of the Christian world, seeking healing and blessings through Saint Menas’ intercession.

9. The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner

The “Cave Church” is a Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner that serves as a majestic construction only found in Egypt. It was carved into the Moqattam Hills in Cairo, and within its main monastery are 20000 people. It was named after the Coptic saint Simon, who moved the Moqattam Mountain in 979 AD to showcase his strong beliefs. It is not only a religious site but an educational center, kindergarten, and school for the deaf.

The “Cave Cathedral” or the “Monastery of St. Samaan” is considered one of the largest churches in the Middle East. Also, the church is unique because it was constructed inside a natural cave within the mountain. It can expand in order to accommodate thousands of worshippers, with some estimates suggesting it can hold up to 20,000 people. The Cave Church’s interior is very enchanting, with walls adorned with vibrant murals and religious paintings. Its immense size and the way it seamlessly integrates into the rock formation make it a symbol of resilience and faith.

10. Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral was built in Alexandria by St. Mark in 60 AD. The Cathedral is a historical cathedral that acts as a historical seat for the Pope of Alexandria, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church. St. Mark is an Evangelist who was the author of the second Gospel, and after arriving in Alexandria in 60 AD, he built his church.

In his seven-year isolation in Alexandria, he converted many to Christianity and is considered the founder of the Church of Alexandria and the first Bishop of Alexandria. He was buried under the church he founded. The current cathedral was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times since the death of St. Mark.

11. The Heavenly Cathedral of Sharm El Sheikh

The Heavenly Cathedral of Sharm El Sheikh was built in 2010 to be a modern church known for its incredible beauty all across the world. It took ten years to construct as the exterior is simple, but the interior is extravagant, which took a team of 19 people two years to create. There are frescoes and murals, and the walls depict Biblical scenes such as The Creation and Exodus, and on the ceiling, there is St. John’s vision of the Apocalypse.

The Heavenly Cathedral is considered one of the finest churches in the world, located in Haj el Nour, a local area situated between Naama Bay and the Old Market. It has gained a reputation as one of the world’s finest and most beautiful churches.

12. The Red Monastery

The Red Monastery was built between 500 and 525 AD on the Outskirts of Sohag. It’s considered one of the most famous Coptic monasteries in Egypt. It had fallen into ruin for many years until 2003, when the American Research Center in Egypt ordered a restoration project. Its name comes from the red burnt brick construction materials on its exterior, the Red Monastery is a neighbor to the White Monastery, built around the same time and definitely is worth a visit.

The monastery dates back to the 4th century and is dedicated to Saint Pishoy (Paisios) who is an esteemed figure in Coptic Christianity. It is renowned to be very similar to the white monastery. It underwent construction and renovations over several centuries, with the current structure mainly dating from the 5th century. One of the most striking features of the Red Monastery is its elaborately decorated interior, featuring vibrant and well-preserved frescoes and intricate Coptic artwork, plus its colossal walls that resemble the ancient Egyptian temple, which is also surrounded by cavetto moldings. These paintings depict biblical scenes, saints, angels, and intricate geometric designs, providing a glimpse into early Christian art and Coptic culture. It remains inhabited by a number of monks today.

13. Saint Barbara Church Complex

The Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Barbara is one of the magical churches found in Coptic Cairo and stands as one of the revered Coptic Orthodox parishes. It’s an ancient structure with origins tracing back to the 5th or 6th century AD found on the eastern part of the Babylon Fortress. Just east of the Church of Abu Serga and north of the Coptic Museum. Throughout its history, the church has undergone multiple rebuilds, notably in the 11th century. It is dedicated to martyrs Abu Kir and Yohanna, later adapted to house the remains of St. Barbara, it now comprises two distinct churches found on the same location. Athanasius, a scribe under Abdel-Aziz Ibn Marwan, was the person behind the construction of the church between 685 and 705 AD, and evidence suggests parts of it could date back to the 4th century. Between the years 1072 and 1073 AD, the church was fully restored, and many relics of Saint Barbara were housed in her sanctuary found in the church.

Throughout its history, it suffered damages, notably fires in the 12th, and underwent various renovations, with the most recent extensive renovation occurring between 1910 and 1922. The church houses numerous precious items, some of which are now in the nearby Coptic Museum. The architecture of the church follows a basilican structure with a tripartite sanctuary, resembling the design of Abu Serga nearby. The church complex includes a convent and a school built by the renowned architect Ramses Wissa Wassef. The layout consists of an entrance, narthex, nave, aisles, and three sanctuaries, with the middle one dedicated to St. Barbara. Notable features include marble columns separating the nave and aisles, a semi-circular choir, and a medieval ambo dating back to around 1300. the southern aisle houses several icons depicting various religious scenes, including representations of the Virgin Mary, Jesus as a child, Jesus entering Jerusalem, and the baptism of Christ.

14. Abou Seifain Church

The Church and Convent of Saint Mercury is a hidden blessed gem with a long history and an everlasting impact on the Coptic culture of Egypt, which is known to be located in Haret Zweila and has gained the reputation of being one of the districts of Islamic Cairo. It was founded in 1773 by El Muallim El Gawahri as a dedicated to Saint Mercurius, and it consists of a nave, a choir, a wooden iconostasis, three sanctuaries, and a baptistery.

The church is renowned for its rich history and religious significance. It’s a place of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians and attracts visitors interested in exploring Egypt’s Christian heritage. The site houses ancient relics, icons, and artifacts that hold cultural and religious importance within the Coptic tradition. The architecture of the Church of Saint Mercury reflects a blend of traditional Coptic design elements with influences from different historical periods due to multiple renovations and rebuilds over the centuries.

15. Monastery Of St. Simeon

The Monastery of Saint Simeon is a magnificent 7th marvel which is dedicated to Anba Hedra, a local saint who turned to monasticism on his wedding day and evolved into its current form in the 10th century when it was rededicated to St. Simeon. It was constructed with stone at the lower level and mud brick at the upper level, surrounded by high walls. This monastery once accommodated up to 1000 monks but suffered partial destruction by Saladin’s troops in 1173. Its basilica retains faint frescoes, while monk cells feature mastaba beds and Muslim pilgrim graffiti en route to Mecca.

The complex was fortified against Bedouin raids, which appeared more fortress-like than religious. Inside lie remnants of a church, stable, and other essential structures for the monks’ simple lives that evoke a medieval ambiance. Close to the monastery is a collection of beautiful attractions, which include the Tombs of the Nobles, Kitchener’s Island, Elephantine Island, and more marvelous hidden gems filled with many epic historical tales.