Monastery of Saint Bishoy

Had a great time exploring the monastery with Brother Steven, the monk staying there. He has good command of English and was able to explain well with interesting facts about the monastery.

A place of high spiritual significance where the mix of art, nature and religion

Unbelievably peaceful place. His holiness Pope Shenouda IÌI burial place tells the history of the coptic church in the latest centuries... the churches, Relics, Spirit of the place is unlike any other you'd visit. Something is different and unique here.

One of the oldest monastery in Egypt where it host many of saints relics and the grave of pope Shenouda's the 3rd. You should visit when you are in the area, along with other El Natron valley monasteries

Very much enjoyed visiting this interesting place. I am not religious but could see the important history here and loved the setting and architecture.

We where shown around by a monk in one place but none were available in the other. I strongly recommend trying to wait for a monk as he gave us some great insight and had great passion for the place.

Entry is free but a donation is welcome and it seems that the money really is used to help others rathe4 than shiny things for the church.

St Bishoi founded tow monasteries in Wadi natrun: this one (which bears his name) and the nearby Deir as-Suriani. Deir Anba Bishoi - a great place to watch a desert sun set - contains the saints body , which is said to be perfectly preserved under a red cloth, and the remains of Paul of Tamweh, who made quite a name for himself by committing sucide seven times. The monks there claim that it is not uncommon for St Bishoi to preform miracles for true believers .

Pishoy founded this monastery in the fourth century.[2] On December 13, 841 (4 Koiak, 557 AM), Pope Joseph I of Alexandria fulfilled Pishoy's wishes and moved his body as well as that of Paul of Tammah to this monastery, both of which were originally interred at the Monastery of Pishoy in Deir el-Bersha. Today, the two bodies lie in the main church of the monastery.

Modern history

Monastery of Saint Pishoy
Today, the Monastery of Saint Pishoy contains the relics of Pishoy, Paul of Tammah, and relics of other saints. Eyewitnesses recount that the body of Pishoy remains incorrupt. Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria is also interred there.

The monastery has five churches, the main one being named after Pishoy. The other churches are named after Mary, Abaskhiron the Soldier, Saint George, and the archangel Michael. The monastery is surrounded by a keep, which was built in the fifth century to protect the monastery against the attacks by Berbers. An initial castle was built early in the twentieth century, but was later replaced by a four-storied castle built by Pope Shenouda III. In addition, the monastery contains a well known as the Well of the Martyrs. Coptic tradition says the Berbers washed their swords in this well after having killed the Forty-Nine Martyrs of Scetis and subsequently threw their bodies in the well before Christians retrieved the bodies and buried them in the nearby Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great.

Under Shenouda III, Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria from 1971 to 2012, new land around the monastery was purchased and developed. Poultry, cattle breeding and dairy facilities were developed. Ancient buildings and churches were restored, and cells for monks, retreat houses, a papal residence, annexes for a reception area, an auditorium, conference rooms, fences and gates were built. Shenouda III was buried here after his death in March 2012.

Recommend stopping and visiting the local Monestary.

A very peaceful place and full of blessings

The monk was really patient and knowledgeable.. great tour of the place.

Nice place to visit , we had blessings time , the monks took us for a tour around . Thank you every body for the

My best place❤❤i Adore every site in it🙏🙏

Enriching visit for your spirit and soul.

Most amazing place. Full of blessings

The Monastery of Saint Pishoy in Wadi El Natrun, Beheira Governorate, Egypt, is the most famous monastery of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria named after Pishoy. It is the easternmost of the four current monasteries of Wadi el Natrun.

It's a blessing to visit this place

Lovely place to visit & get blessed, the Monastery from the 4th century

Very beautiful place and quiet

Most beautiful monastery in Wady El-Natroun

I liked very much, monk very welcoming ,