St Anthony Monastery
St Anthony Monastery, located deep in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, is a remarkable testament to centuries of religious and peaceful existence in Egypt in the old age. The Monastery of St Anthony was established by followers of Saint Anthony, the first monk in Egypt and the world. This Great structure is dating back to the 4th century, the founder of Christian monasticism, and the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the whole world.
The monastery of Saint Anthony is a place of pilgrimage, where a million visitors every year have the opportunity to explore and witness the history and culture of the Coptic Church and learn more about the spiritual practices of the Coptic tradition. Visitors can also find peace and serenity, and a deeper connection to the divine. Saint Anthony Monastery is a must-see destination for any traveler looking to explore the beauty and spirituality of Egypt.
We will provide each traveler with enough information to know more about the greatness of such a Monastery and help him to choose his next destination to travel to.
Location of St Anthony Monastery
The Monastery of Saint Anthony is a Coptic Orthodox monastery located deep in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, hidden deep in the Red Sea Mountains in the southern part of the Suez Governorate. The monastery was built only after the death of Saint Anthony, who is believed to have lived for one hundred and five years. The Monastery is situated near the city of Hurghada and any central governorate near to Suez governorate.
Who is Saint Anthony?
Saint Anthony is one of the most famous figures in the history of Christianity ever. He was born on Jan 12th 251 AD and died on Jan 17th 356 AD aged 105 in Egypt, He was a son of a wealthy family. He gave away his possessions and moved to the desert, where he lived for twenty years for worship. Anthony was known for his ability to resist the temptations of Satan. He left all his property and wealth after he heard some words from Saint Mark as he told him "Give up all of your belongings and seek God".
Saint Anthony is credited with founding the monastic order of the Desert Fathers, as he is well known for his holiness, wisdom, and Power during his life. It was believed that Saint Anthon could be seen levitating in prayer, he could even speak to the animals and also he could heal the sick. After his death, he left behind a legacy that lasted for many centuries. Today, Saint Anthony is a Great icon and is still remembered as the patron saint of stolen things.
The Structure of the Monastery of Saint Anthony
The Saint Anthony Monastery in Egypt is considered the oldest Christian monastery in the world and one of the holy attractions for the society of Christians. The monastery of Saint Anthon is known for its unique architecture as it has various buildings, churches, and chapels.
This great attraction contains five churches which are (The church of Saint Anthony, the Church of Apostles, the church of the Virgin, the Church of St. Michael, and the Church of St. Mark the Ascetic) plus, a great library, two gatehouses, and other several buildings.
The monastery is also home to many most famous and amazing attractions, including the tomb of Saint Anthony, which is said to contain his remains to the day and age. Moreover, it is believed that the sacred fire inside the monastery's chapel has been continuously burning since the 4th century until today.
The Church of the Virgin Mary is at the center of the Monastery, and there are other four churches near the north, south, east, and west of it, but they were built in different styles.
The Churches on the east and the west were built in the Coptic style, but the church on the north was built in the Greek style, in addition, the church on the south side was built in the Syrian style. The walls of the five churches were made up of blocks of stone, covered with a layer of white painted with simple designs.
The monastery has also a great library that contains several collections of ancient texts and ancient manuscripts, which are more than a thousand years old. The library contains also many historical and religious books, plus, many works of literature and philosophy.
In recent years, the monastery has become a popular tourist destination and a center of pilgrimage for Christians. Visitors can explore the beautiful buildings, and attend religious services. The monastery is also a popular attraction for students, who come especially to Egypt to learn and know more about the architecture of this amazing edifice.
St. Anthony Monastery Pictures & Gallery
Best Activities to Do At St. Anthony Monastery
This ancient monastery is located on the shore of the Red Sea, if you are in the Monastery, so you have many things to do. Here are some of the best activities to do when visiting the Saint Anthony Monastery:
- Hiking in the Mountains of Saint Anthony Monastery as this attraction is surrounded by beautiful mountains, making it the perfect spot for a day tour.
- Visitors can also explore the beauty of Hurghada city as it contains several of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.
- Enjoy Desert Safari at Hurghada City.
- Exploring the incredible monuments and the Great Pyramids in Cairo.
Conclusion
To summarize briefly, the Saint Anthony Monastery is one of the amazing ancient Coptic attractions in Egypt as it has a rich history. This monastery specifically is a place of spiritual peace, as it is offering a window into religious and cultural learning. Visitors and tourists to the monastery will be able to gain a deeper understanding of both the history and religious knowledge. Saint Anthony's Monastery is a unique and peaceful attraction for all travelers, providing an unforgettable journey that will stay with them for their lifetime.
Trips in Egypt is specialized in arranging tour packages to Egypt, as we will pick you up from your hotel/airport to explore the land of Pharaohs and enjoy most of its important and famous attractions in Egypt, then drop you off wherever you want. Enjoy one of our most-sale Nile cruise packages to enjoy witnessing Upper Egypt.
Great vacation for 4 days in Cairo Egypt accompanied by an e...
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Availability
Everyday
An Incredible 5 days Cairo & Alexandria tour package to expl...
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Availability
Everyday
Explore Egypt's ancient wonders on a 6 days vacation to Cair...
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Availability
Everyday
Breathtaking 7 days Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada holiday to explo...
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Availability
Everyday
FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
Share Your Comment