Overview:

The Monastery of Saint Pishoy is an ancient Coptic Orthodox Monastery in Egypt. It is located in Wadi El Natrun in the Beheira Governorate of Egypt, about 80 miles northwest of Cairo. It is one of the four monasteries located in the Wadi El Natrun Valley, the others being the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, the Monastery of the Syrians and the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great. The Monastery of Saint Pishoy was founded in the 4th century by Saint Pishoy, who was the leader of a group of monks known as the Anchorites. Since its establishment, the Monastery of Saint Pishoy has been a center of Christian faith for the Coptic Orthodox community. Throughout its long history, the monastery has been a place of prayer, worship and study. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for the Coptic Orthodox Church and is renowned for its shrines and art. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. An 11th century Coptic monastery located in the Wadi El Natrun valley in the northwest of Cairo, Egypt. 2. Home to the first Monastic order of the Coptic Church founded in 350 AD. 3. Dedicated to St. Pishoy who was martyred in 320 AD during the persecution of Diocletian. 4. Completed construction in 1057 AD. 5. Restored in modern times due to its historical and religious significance. 6. Contains the Shrine of the Holy Virgin Mary and the Monastic Museum of Coptic Art (which houses a number of archaeological artifacts). 7. Houses the largest collection of Coptic manuscripts in the Middle East. 8. Serves as a major tourist attraction and spiritual destination. 9. Hosts the annual Bardwat Festival of Saint Pishoy that is celebrated every July 7th. 10. Monks living in the monastery are dedicated to maintaining an atmosphere of peace and spiritual renewal. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Monastery of Saint Pishoy, sometimes referred to as the Monastery of Anba Bishoy, is located in the Wadi El Natrun region of Egypt. The monastery was first established by the Coptic Saint Pishoy in the 4th century CE. A native of Egypt, Pishoy was an ascetic monk who chose to live the eremitical life of spiritual silence and solace in the region, and eventually gathered other monks around him with the same commitment to solitude. In the early 5th century, a massive church was built to honor the memory of Saint Pishoy. This structure has remained in almost the same form to this day, making it one of the oldest churches in the world that has been passed down through the ages. In addition to the church, the monastery also features several other holy sites, including a library, cells, wells, a lake, and other shrines. Over the years, the Monastery of Saint Pishoy has become an important pilgrimage site for Christians in the region. Today, visitors can still see the ancient walls and chapels of the monastery, as well as the remains of the great church that Pishoy had built. The site is also home to a number of other religious events and festivals, such as commemorations of Pishoy’s death and Easter celebrations. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Monastery of St. Pishoy dates back to the fourth century and is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in Egypt. 2. It is located in the Wadi El Natrun, which is an oasis in the North-Western Desert of Egypt. 3. The monastery was built by Nero, the Roman Emperor, who was loyal to the Egyptian Christian faith. 4. It is one of the seven Coptic Orthodox monasteries still operating in the Wadi El Natrun. 5. St. Pishoy was a great ascetic monk, who had a great influence on the monastery. 6. The monastery houses one of the oldest Coptic libraries, containing over 5000 manuscripts. 7. The main church of the monastery is dedicated to St. Pishoy, and the walls of the church are covered with paintings and scripture. 8. The monastery is home to the remains of several Coptic saints, including Apostle Paul the Simple, and St. Moses the Strong. 9. Many relics and artifacts of ancient Egypt are on display at the monastery. 10. The monastery holds four major pilgrimages every year, the biggest of which is in January to commemorate the death of St. Pishoy. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era