Day trip from Red Sea, Red Sea
Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul
One of Egypt's most spiritually powerful day trips — visiting the world's two oldest functioning Christian monasteries, hidden in the dramatic Red Sea Mountains. St. Anthony's Monastery (155km from Suez) was founded in the 4th century AD over the cave of St. Anthony the Great, the father of all monks. St. Paul's Monastery lies nearby, built over the cave where St. Paul of Thebes lived as a hermit for 91 years. Both monasteries have ancient churches decorated with extraordinary frescoes, and offer a profound encounter with early Christianity.
Highlights
- Ancient church frescoes
- Cave of St. Anthony hike
- Monastic community life
- Dramatic mountain scenery
Tips
- Dress very modestly — women must cover hair, arms, and legs; men must cover legs
- Avoid visiting during Coptic fasting periods when monasteries may be closed to tourists
- Book through a reputable Hurghada tour operator for reliable transport on the desert road