Overview:

The Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great is a Coptic Orthodox monastery situated in the desert of Wadi El Natrun, northwest of Cairo in Egypt. Founded by St. Macarius of Alexandria in the 4th century, it is an important center of monasticism in the Egyptian Orthodox Church, known for its spirituality and monastic tradition. The monastery is headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the abbot of the monastery is Bishop Mounees. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

• The Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great is located in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt. • The monastery dates back to the 4th century and is one of the oldest and largest in the region. • The remains of Saint Macarius feature prominently within the monastery, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great pilgrimage destination for Coptic Orthodox Christians. • The monastery is constructed of pise buildings, divided into three sections: the entrance area, the cell monasteries and the church area. • The main building in the monastery is the church, surrounded by a wall with a domed entrance. • The church contains many reliquaries, containing the remains of numerous saints venerated by the Coptic Orthodox Church. • There are also numerous chapels, a library and a museum filled with ancient manuscripts, books and artifacts relating to Christianity in the region. • The grounds of the monastery are also home to a large library and museum, a modern hotel for visitors, and a large garden. • In recent years the monastery has also undergone significant renovation and construction efforts in order to provide a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience for all who visit. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great is located in the desert area of Wadi El Natrun, in northern Egypt. It was founded in the 4th century A.D. by Saint Macarius the Great, who was a hermit in the area and a disciple of Saint Anthony the Great. It is believed that Macarius was born near Alexandria around 300 A.D, and that he had a very religious upbringing. The Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great was one of the most influential centers of monasticism in the Middle Ages. It was home to some of the most influential Christian monks and scholars of the time, including St. John Chrysostom, St. John Cassian, and St. Pachomius. It is also believed that Saint Macarius wrote his famous work “On the Spiritual Life” at the monastery. In the 7th century, the monastery experienced a period of expansion and renovation. This was due to the donation of lands and other assets by wealthy Coptic families. As a result, the monastery thrived and grew to encompass around 25 churches, halls, and small buildings. At its peak, the monastery was home to up to 5,000 monks. Throughout the centuries, the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great has remained a popular pilgrimage site, and its walls contain pictures and paintings of influential saints, including Macarius himself. Today, the site is still active with services and worship held regularly. It is also a major tourist attraction in Wadi El Natrun, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great is believed to have been founded as far back as the 4th century. 2. The Monastery was built around a spring, and thus allowed monks to stay and live on its grounds year-round. 3. Saint Macarius the Great is also known as the "Father of Monasticism", as he set the standard for communal monastic life in Egypt. 4. The Monastery survived centuries of attacks by Muslim forces, and only reached its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries. 5. The Monastery currently houses around 70 monks and is home to a small library of ancient manuscripts and books dating back to ancient times. 6. The Monastery is a popular pilgrimage destination for both Coptic Christians and Muslims alike. 7. The Monastery has a church, a guesthouse, a cooking facility and various workshops. 8. In recent years, the Monastery has opened a museum open to the public, containing items from its long and varied history. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era