The Red Sea region is the source of Coptic Orthodox monasticism in Egypt and in the world, as it includes the Monastery of St. Anthony, which is the first monastery to be established in the world, as well as the Monastery of St. Paula, one of the oldest Coptic monasteries. The Monastery of St. Paul and St. Anthony is located in the Zafarana region

St. Anthony Monastery

The first monastery was established in the world, and its name is attributed to St. Anthony, who is considered by the Egyptian Copts to be the first monks in the world, and the father of all monks. The monastery is located at the foot of the tribal mountain of Galala, and the monastery is about 48 km before Za`farana

In the monastery, you can visit the Cave of St. Anthony located on the roof of a high mountain inside the Monastery of St. Anthony, where you must climb 1420 steps to reach the cave. The monastery also includes 13 ancient churches.

St. Paul’s Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries in the world, Saint Paul Monastery of the Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, and dates back to the early fifth century AD, located in the depths of the Red Sea mountains in the eastern desert of Egypt. It was built beneath the ground in the location of the cave of Anba Paula.

The monastery contains four ancient churches and a library containing 764 manuscripts, the oldest of which dates back to the 14th century.