Private Wadi El Natron Monastery Tour from Cairo with Lunch

Why choose this Cairo tour ?

Wadi El-Natron, situated in the eastern desert near the delta, stands as a prominent destination for Christian religious tourists visiting Egypt.

The arrival of Christianity in Wadi El-Natron dates back to approximately 330 AD when St. Macarius the Great sought refuge there. Subsequently, this region evolved into a sanctuary for Christians fleeing the organized persecution under Roman rule during the 4th century. It was in this environment that the foundations of a thriving monastic tradition began to take shape.

In the past, this area was home to dozens of monasteries, but only four have endured the test of time. This preservation was necessary to safeguard the monks from the threats posed by Berbers and Bedouins.

Private Wadi El Natron Monastery Tour from Cairo with Lunch

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What makes Private Wadi El Natron Monastery Tour from Cairo with Lunch a unique experience ?

Our guide will escort you from your Cairo hotel to commence your Coptic journey to Wadi Natron. Your first stop will be at The Monastery of El Suryan, constructed by St. Beshoy during the sixth century in honor of the Virgin Mary. The monastery boasts a fascinating cave where St. Beshoy is believed to have prayed while tethering his hair to the ceiling to prevent himself from dozing off. Over time, Syrian monks assumed ownership of the monastery, leading to its modern name “Al-Suryan,” signifying “the Syrians.” This name is a concise version of the monastery’s original, which was “Monastery of Saint Mary the Virgin, the Lady of the Syrians.” Tragically, the monastery faced destruction by the Berbers in 817 AD but was rebuilt in 850 by two monks, Matthew and Abraham. On a diplomatic mission to Baghdad, they successfully secured tax exemptions for the monasteries.

Our next destination will be El-Baramous Monastery, the northernmost monastery in Wadi al-Natron. Its Arabic name, “Baramous,” is derived from the Coptic term “Pa-Romeos,” meaning “that of the Romans.” It was founded in memory of Roman saints Maximus and Domitius, children of Emperor Valentinian, who lived and died in a cell in Scetis during the time of Saint Macarius. Saint Macarius initiated the construction of a church in their honor, named the “Cell of the Romans,” which became the nucleus of the monastic settlement. The current monastery, dedicated to the Virgin of Baramous, likely dates back to the late sixth century and houses the oldest surviving church in Wadi al-Natron, the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary. Adjacent to this church lies the keep, also known as al-Qasr, the oldest fortress in Wadi al-Natron, believed to originate from the ninth century.

Our journey continues to the Saint Bishoy Monastery, the largest in Wadi Natron, located about half a kilometer southeast of the Monastery of the Virgin Mary (Syrian) and roughly twenty kilometers west of the Monastery of St. Makarios “Abu Makar.” Saint Bishoy, a disciple of St. Macarius, is credited with its initial construction, likely concluding in the late fourth century AD. The monastery underwent a reconstruction around 840 AD and now features five churches, including the largest, the “Church of St. Bishoy,” known as one of Wadi Natron’s grandest churches.

Our final visit will be to the Monastery of Saint Makarios (Abu Makar).

Finally, you’ll enjoy a local restaurant lunch before concluding your excursion with a transfer back to your Cairo hotel.

Tour Description & Additional Info:

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The meals are fixed.

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Private Wadi El Natron Monastery Tour from Cairo with Lunch
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