6 min read | Published: Feb 25, 2023 | Updated: Feb 25, 2023 | TRIPS IN EGYPT

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

Structure of the Monastery of Saint Anthony - Trips in Egypt

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

Activities to Do At St. Anthony Monastery - Trips in Egypt

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.

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