Monastery of St. Anthony

Anthony withdrew into the Eastern Desert in the third century and the community that formed around him after his death in 356 has lived on this site for most of the centuries since, which makes it the oldest Christian monastery still inhabited anywhere. It is a walled compound at the foot of the Galala cliffs with churches, a keep, mills, a bakery, gardens and a spring, and the oldest church holds a remarkable cycle of wall paintings from the thirteenth century, cleaned and conserved in a long project that removed centuries of soot and revealed the work underneath. Above the monastery, an hour's climb up the cliff, is the cave where Anthony lived, reached by a stepped path with a view over the desert. Monks are in residence and the community is active.

What you actually see

• Thirteenth-century wall paintings - a conserved cycle in the old church.
• The walled compound - churches, keep, mills and gardens inside one wall.
• Saint Anthony's cave - an hour up the cliff above the monastery.
• The desert spring - the water that has kept the site occupied for sixteen centuries.

When to go

October to April. Half a day, or a full day with the cave climb, usually combined with St Paul's. The monastery closes to visitors during Coptic fasting periods including much of Lent and Advent, so check dates before travelling.

Honest expectations

Closures during fasts are long and catch many visitors out. Modest dress is required and photography inside the churches is generally not allowed. The cave climb is steep with many steps and no shade. Access to some buildings depends on which monk is guiding.

Nearby

The Monastery of St Paul is about 30 km south; the Red Sea coast is east.