Tour Guide, Cairo, Egypt
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After the advent of Christianity, the uadi (the dry river bed) began to attract many Coptic followers of St. Anthony, who sought not only an ascetic existence but also to escape the Roman oppression. About 500 monks live in the uadi, who, although they have chosen a cloistered life, welcome visitors very gladly.
It is said that in the fifth century, this area was home to up to 60 monasteries, of which today, unfortunately, only four remains. The most visited monastery among the four is the Monastery of St. Bishoi (Deir Amba Bishoi), the official residence of the Coptic Patriarch, Pope Shenute.
Easily accessible from Cairo, with the bus that stops in Bir Huker, all four monasteries are enclosed by high raw brick walls.
Inside the fortified monastery of Deir Anba Bishoi (St. Bishoi), there is a church, a well, kitchens, and warehouses that could hold supplies for a whole year.
It is said that the church holds the body of the saint, perfectly preserved in a sealed pipe near the altar. The saint is also celebrated at the monastery of the Syrians, Deir as-Suriani, whose main church, consecrated to St. Mary, is built on a cave where it is said that Christ appeared to her in a vision.
Much appreciated by visitors, the Monastery of St. Mary, also known as Deir es Suriani (or Monastery of the Syrians), is a point of attraction for its main church dedicated to St. Mary, famous for its frescoes and icons, some of which date back to the 7th century.
A little further north, the Monastery of St. Paramus (Deir el-Bararnus) has at least five churches within its walls. Simultaneously, the Monastery of St. Macarius (Deir Abu Makar) is more isolated, 20 km southeast. These two are less visited as they are not open to groups of tourists. Individual travellers are welcome.
Continuing north of Wadi Natrun, you reach the Nile Delta area.