Things to see and do El-Deir El-Muharraq El-Muharraq

At the foot of the West Mountain, near Quseya. This is one of the most sacred places for the Copts of Egypt. Surrounded by an imposing medieval wall, it was built around a grotto where the Holy Family is said to have found shelter when they fled to Egypt, before returning to Palestine. The oldest church in the monastery dates back to 38 AD, and is believed to be the oldest in the Christian world. An important stopover for pilgrims following in the footsteps of the Holy Family in Egypt.