- Deir al-Muharraq, an hour's drive north-west of Asyut, is a place of religious pilgrimage, shelter and vows, where you can experience the power of Coptic tradition.
- Local priests believe that Mary and Jesus lived for six months and 10 days after escaping from Herod.
- One legend says that the church of Al-Azraq is above the cave and is the oldest Christian church in the whole world, blessed around A.D. 60.
- Unusually, the church has two iconostases: the one on the left of the altar came from the Ethiopian church of Saints Peter and Paul, which used to be on the building's roof. Other Ethiopian items are exhibited in the hall outside the church.
- The fortress next to the church is an independent 7th century tower, rebuilt in the 12th and 20th centuries.
- The monastery has done a great deal to preserve the Coptic traditions: the monks here spoke Coptic until the 19th century and, while in other monasteries some Coptic services are performed in Arabic (for their Arabic-speaking members), here Coptic is the language adhered to.
- St George's Church (Mar Girgis) was also constructed within the complex in 1880 with the approval of the Ottoman Sultan, who was still the official ruler of Egypt. It is decorated with paintings of the 12.
- Visits sometimes end with a brief visit to the new church, built in 1940, or to a nearby souvenir shop, and sometimes with a refreshment in the monastery reception.
- The price includes: pick up service from your hotel in Hurghada, air-conditioned vehicle, professional English-speaking tour guide, snacks, coffee and/or tea, bottled water, fuel surcharge, lunch, all service charges and taxes.
- The price does not include: tipping, any extras not mentioned in the program.
- Infants must sit on laps.
- Remember to take off your shoes before entering any church and respect the silence and sanctity of the place.
- Every year during the week (usually from 21 to 28 June) thousands of pilgrims attend the annual monastic feast, at which time non-pilgrims may not be admitted.
- You will usually be escorted around the monastery and although there is no charge, donations are welcome.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Not recommended for: travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- Not recommended for: travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.
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Hello, I'm Mohammed, a local guide from Cairo
I live in Cairo
I speak: English
Hello I’m Mohammed, 29 years old . - Egyptian Tour Guide & Egyptologist - Instagram & Web Blogger . - Academically Studied Egyptology & Archeology & Ancient Egyptian Mythology and Language 2009/2013 . - Ministry Of Tourism and Antiquates Licensed Guide. - Member of Egyptian Tour Guides Syndicate - Member of World Federation of Tour Guides Association of UN since 2013 - Me and My team Are Fully Feel free to Book any of My Experiences with 100% Excellent Rate ( Airbnb - Tripadvisor - GetYourGuide - TourHQ over 100 Reviews for tours from Alexandria to Nubia )
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