Monasteries at Wadi Natrun

The four Coptic monasteries of Wadi Natrun are easily reached from Cairo on a day trip.  Go on a Sunday when they are all open and here is lots and lots of people.  The life of the Coptic Church is seen in these places and the visitor will have much to learn.  If you are early on the spot some of the services will still be going on. Here are lots of shops selling Coptic articles, they make wonderful souvenirs.

 

The history of these four places reach back to Christian beginnings in Egypt. They remind us that Egypt is still a Christian country however many Muslims may have arrived at a later day  -  one of the Coptic bishops recently called the visitors and tourists!  Unfortunately this was in a public address, and it caused some stir.