Coptic heritage · Beheira
Saint Pishoy Monastery
One of the largest active monasteries of Wadi El Natrun, a Coptic Orthodox house founded in the 4th century, with five churches and broad gardens.
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The story
The Monastery of Saint Pishoy is a Coptic Orthodox monastery in Wadi El Natrun, west of the Nile Delta, and one of the largest active monasteries of the valley. It was founded in the 4th century by Saint Pishoy, a disciple of Saint Macarius. It has five churches, among them the Church of Saint Pishoy. Its features include a guesthouse, wide gardens, a library, an ancient refectory, the Well of the Martyrs and the monks' cells. Pope Shenouda III often came here for retreat, and he is buried at the monastery.
Good to know
- The monastery holds five churches, among them the Church of Saint Pishoy.
- Pope Shenouda III was buried at the monastery in 2012.
- Among its landmarks are the Well of the Martyrs and an ancient refectory.