The land of artifacts and the long history of human beings, that’s how people know about Egypt. This country also has 4 most popular Christian tourist destinations in Egypt which are unique and have different vibes from other religious destinations in other countries.
Egypt has a very long story. The land of Pharaoh is another magnificent name since it has a lot of pyramids. Christianity destinations in Egypt also offer great experiences for the tourist. Here are some places you can visit during your religious vacation with Exodus Travel.
4 Most Popular Christian Destinations in Egypt
1. The Hanging Church
One of the popular destinations for Christian is the Hanging Church. It has another name, Al Moallaqa which is well-known in Cairo. This site was built during the Roman Emperor and becomes the top tourist spot if you want to feel the vibes of old Roman and Babylon. It is a site for Coptic Christian.
The Hanging Church isn’t only a religious site, but also historical. The importance of visiting this site is to see the construction. In the Middle East, this place becomes the most beautiful church. The church mostly is made from stones and palm logs. You’ll see this church is similar to Noah’s ark.
Though the design and style use classic Coptic concept, the church itself allows everyone to visit. Its decoration is unique since Islamic and Christian arts are mixing to create interior and exterior. It’s a must see ancient church since it represents a lot of Christian history in Egypt and the Middle East.
Since the popularity is increasing, there are some parts that some tourists are allowed to see. In certain events, tourists might not visit since the Hanging Church is a busy one. The most interesting part of the church is their twin bells above the church and also their altar which looks like a beautiful lotus.
This church is open for tourists except on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday morning because there’s religion activity of Coptic. Apart from those hours, visitors are allowed to visit and go around the church. There’s no specific outfit to visit as long as it’s polite enough to visit a church.
2. Saint Catherine Area
Besides Coptic, Egypt is also a home for Orthodox. The history of Orthodox started here and it grows from time to time even until now. Their historical place is Saint Catherine Aria. It’s located at the foot of Mt. Horeb, the place where Moses received his tablets of law and known for Jebel Musa.
Though the Mt. Horeb itself is a place for 3 sacred religions from Islam, Judaism and Chrstianity, Saint Catherine Area is a place where Orthodox grows. This site was established in the 6th century which makes it the oldest site for Christianity. The design of this site looks like the classic Christianity era.
This area forms a big monastery, not significantly like a church. The landscape is quite unique since most of the area looks like the pile of stones. Egypt still manages it as a classic and traditional site. Everyone is able to visit this area, but it’s a remote place to figure out the aesthetic of Saint Catherine Area.
Orthodox people don’t use this place anymore as a place to pray, but the government makes it a traditional site and is registered in UNESCO. The restoration occurs from time to time, since one one lives around this site. Once you come, it’s a spiritual experience more than traveling vibes.
You might need guides to visit this place since it’s not at the center of Egypt. This area is a remote place, but you can find some people who take care of Saint Catherine Area here. No dress code to visit, as long as you’re taking care of yourself during the trip especially under hot afternoon.
3. Wadi El Natrun
A-must-visit place for Christianity trips is Wadi El Natrun. It’s quite far from the center of Cairo, about 100 km to the North West but you won’t regret it. This place is known as the desert of salt flats and salt lakes. Wadi El Natrun becomes a place of monasteries and they have different architecture.
This place has a lot of isolated monks back then, but nowadays they are more open to outsiders. They inhabited the monasteries. This destination is unique because you’ll see some monks living in monasteries, in a very simple life. It’s very different from life in Cairo.
Four out of ten monasteries in this area are still active. You might only see the monk fasting and praying in Wadi El Natrun. Taking the picture is allowed here, as long as you don’t disturb the people. The building is quite aesthetic. As the most important place of classic Christian, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.
The number of people who visit here is always a lot from time to time. You can make a visit from Cairo or Alexandria, taking about 2-3 hours. It’s a great place to visit if you are into Coptic history.
4. Monastery of Saint Paul
This place is good to visit in Egypt. Built in the 5th century, Monastery of Saint Paul is sited in Eastern Desert. Saint Paul was Saint Anthony mentor in Christianity historically. The site is also known as Deir Anba Bula. You might take some time to visit because it’s in a remote location in Egypt.
What is best from this site is there are three churches on the ground that all tourists can visit. The churches are small and they were places to protect oneself from attack and invasion by some outsider groups. The churches are neat and able to visit, but get in line during peak season of traveling.
Another thing you can do in the Monastery of Saint Paul is check some manuscripts. They are all monasteries and they’ll allow you to check them. The manuscripts are about Christianity historical in Egypt and how Saint Paul and Saint Anthony became good friends back then.
Those destinations above are the 4 most popular Christian tourist destinations in Egypt. You are welcomed to tailor your trip with Exodus Travel to get the best experience during your religious trip.
Visit exodustravel.net or contact +20 120 250 0027 via Whatsapp.