ST. PAUL'S MONASTERY

A sacred site for Egypt's Orthodox Copts, it is attributed to the hermit Saint Paul who, like Saint Anthony, wished to live far from Roman persecution of Christians. A raven is said to have brought the hermit half a loaf of bread during the first sixty days of his desert retreat. This miracle attracted young disciples, who founded the monastery after his death in the ^4th century. The monastery's defensive architecture is impressive, notably its high postern system, designed to protect against numerous attacks. An exceptional site!