Ancient Church
One of the most beautiful and largest historic churches in Wadi El Natrun — foundations from the 4th century AD.
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ABOUT US
About the Monastery
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Its architecture gathers many eras into one sacred setting, from early basilican forms to later Byzantine and Ottoman touches, all held together by the continuity of Coptic liturgical life.
Late 4th Century AD
Founded
11,300 m²
Historic Area
9th Century AD
Walls Built
Wadi El Natroun
Location
Late 4th Century AD
Founded by Saint Bishoy
Wadi El Natroun
Between Cairo and Alexandria
11,300 Square Meters
Historic monastery area
9th Century AD
Ancient defensive walls
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840 AD
Year Built
400 m
Total Wall Length
11 m
Wall Height
1 m
Wall Thickness
One of the most beautiful and largest historic churches in Wadi El Natrun, with foundations dating to the 4th century AD. It has endured repeated Berber raids and been rebuilt many times throughout the centuries. It houses the relics of Saint Anba Bishoy and Saint Paul Bishop of Tammah, and is renowned for its ancient columns and rare Coptic paintings.
The ancient fort was built by King Zeno in the 5th century AD. It served as a fortified refuge for the monks during Berber attacks, accessed by a drawbridge with a pulley system. Rising high within the monastery walls, it still stands as a testament to the monks' courage and steadfast faith.
A church dedicated to the spiritual father of the founder of Coptic monasticism, Saint Anba Antonious. Located on the southern side of the Ancient Church, it is distinguished by its authentic Coptic architectural style that reflects the deep spiritual identity of the monastery.
The Shrine of Pope Shenouda III is located on the northern side of the Ancient Church. Pope Shenouda III requested to be buried in this monastery that he deeply loved, where he spent his periods of fasting and retreat. The shrine is now a spiritual destination visited by thousands of faithful from around the world.
More Historic Landmarks
A historic well dating to the 4th century AD, named in memory of the martyrs of the Berber raid of 444 AD.
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A mill dating to the 4th century AD, operated by animals to grind grain.
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Adjacent to the Shrine of Pope Shenouda III, it houses the body of Anba Sarabamoun and his priestly vestments.
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In 2015, serious flooding in Wadi El Natrun caused damage to parts of the monastery complex. Urgent restoration efforts were mobilized to protect the ancient churches, walls, and historic structures from further deterioration.
HISTORY
The first attack happened in 407 AD. Saint Anba Bishoy left Scetis and went to Mount Ansena, while Saint John the Short went to Mount Qulzum.
The well in front of the ancient Church of Anba Bishoy became known as the "Well of the Martyrs."
The fourth attack happened in 620 AD. Scetis was devastated and the Monastery of Saint Bishoy suffered total destruction. Saint Samuel the Confessor was captured and tortured. Later, Scetis was rebuilt through Pope Benjamin I.
The fifth attack happened in 840 AD. Many monks died, Scetis was destroyed again, and Ahmad ibn Tulun confronted the threat in Wadi El Natrun.
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6 CONSECRATIONS
Pope Shenouda III
By the hand of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III
4 CONSECRATIONS · EVERY 3 YEARS
Pope Tawadros II
By the hand of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Total Consecrations
10
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This presence joins the ancient spiritual identity of the monastery with the administrative life of a global church, making the monastery both a historical refuge and a living center of leadership.
The first attack happened in 407 AD. Saint Anba Bishoy left Scetis and went to Mount Ansena, while Saint John the Short went to Mount Qulzum.
The well in front of the ancient Church of Anba Bishoy became known as the "Well of the Martyrs."
The fourth attack happened in 620 AD. Scetis was devastated and the Monastery of Saint Bishoy suffered total destruction. Saint Samuel the Confessor was captured and tortured. Later, Scetis was rebuilt through Pope Benjamin I.
The fifth attack happened in 840 AD. Many monks died, Scetis was destroyed again, and Ahmad ibn Tulun confronted the threat in Wadi El Natrun.
Sacred Memory
Al-Tafous — The Place of Repose
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"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
John 11:25
The historic area of St. Bishoy Monastery covers approximately 2 feddans, 16 kirats, and 14 sahms (about 11,300 square meters). This area is surrounded by massive and high walls that were constructed in the 9th century AD.
116 m
North to South
95 m
East to West
9th Century
AD Wall Construction
2 Feddans
Historic Area
Total Area
11,300
square meters
The length of the walls extends 116 meters from north to south and 95 meters from east to west — fortified walls standing since the 9th century AD.
One of the most beautiful and largest historic churches in Wadi El Natrun — foundations from the 4th century AD.
Read More →
Located on the seaward side of the historic Church. Pope Shenouda III requested to be buried there.
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Adjacent to the Shrine of Pope Shenouda III. Contains the body of Anba Sarabamoun and his priestly clothes.
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Built by King Zeno in the 5th century AD. A refuge for monks during Berber attacks with a drawbridge pulley system.
Read More →Meet some of the monastery's monks and learn about their service and spiritual life.
The retreat house is one of the distinctive spiritual places that gives young people the opportunity to step away temporarily from the pressures of daily life and devote themselves to reflection and prayer. It offers a three-day retreat program aimed at full spiritual dedication and spending time with God in a calm atmosphere that helps clear the mind and open the heart. The house is also distinguished by having a private church with an altar dedicated to Saint Mary the Virgin and Archangel Michael, which gives the place a deep spiritual character and enriches the retreat experience. In addition, the retreat house can accommodate around 70 young people, making it suitable for hosting youth groups seeking to experience a renewed spiritual life.
Explore the Monastery
"Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven"
Matthew 6:20
Support the monastery's spiritual life, hospitality, and community service.
Egyptian Pound Account
Foreign Currency Accounts