Golavita travel Egyptologist guide will meet you at Alexandria Port with your name on a sign to start your Alexandria day tour to Wadi El Natrun 120 km to the south of Alexandria city. Wadi El Natrun located in the western desert is about 25 kilometers long depression and 23 meters below sea level. The area was well known since ancient times as it was the source of some of the mummification materials. Then, again started to be famous since the Roman era when they persecuted the first Christians. So, a lot of new believers fled to the area to hide and started Christian monasticism. In the past, there were about 50 monasteries and only 4 monasteries survived until today. Your Egypt day tours will include the open monasteries or even all from the oldest one Baramus Monastery to the smallest one the Monastery of Syrians or (Deir El-Saurian). You will start your Wadi El Natrun attractions with the oldest one.
- Monastery of the Romans: Out of the four still standing, the Monastery of the Romans is the oldest. Since its founding in approximately 335 AD, the monastery has managed to retain a significant portion of its historic charm. There are five churches there. Throughout its history, the monastery has undergone renovations and expansions; today, it is home to about fifty monks and boasts an impressive infrastructure.
- Monastery of St. Pshoi: Founded in the fourth century AD by Saint Bishoy the Great, who is known as "The Perfect Man, the Beloved by our Good Saviour," In addition to various artifacts, the main chapel houses the remains of Saint Pishoy, the founder of the organization. It is noteworthy that Saint Bishoy's body has not undergone any chemical preservation or mummification. Renovated and expanded recently, the monastery features five churches.
- St. Macarius Monastery: Around 360 AD, Saint Macarius of Egypt founded it. He served as the spiritual guide for almost 4,000 monks from various backgrounds. Since then, monks have lived there continually, and inside are the relics of numerous saints. Two crypts said to be connected to Saint John the Baptist and the Prophet Elisha, were found during restoration work.
- Monastery of Syrians: Though it bears the name of the Virgin Mary and is devoted to her, most people refer to it as the Syrian Monastery because Syrian monks were its primary users. The cathedral, which is worth seeing for its amazing collection of wall paintings from the eleventh century, was constructed around the 4th-century cave where Saint Bishoi lived and braided his hair to the ceiling to keep himself awake during prayers.
At the end of your tour to Wadi El Natrun, we will drive you back to Alexandria Port tours.
