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Photo : Andrew A. Shenouda from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Marsa Alam & the Red Sea · Eastern Desert, near the Red Sea

St Paul's Monastery

A fortified monastery in the desert, around the cave of the first Christian hermit.

€ Budget

An hour from the coast, in a cirque of mountains, the monastery holds the rock church built over the cave where Paul of Thebes is said to have lived ninety years. The medieval frescoes of the lower church have been restored, reached by a cut staircase.

The extra bit

Combine with St Anthony's monastery, two hours away by track: both fit in one day.

Know before you go

Closed to visitors during Coptic fasts: check the calendar before setting out.

Directions

Eastern Desert, Zaafarana–Beni Suef road

Directions

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