 About 10 kilometers from Assiut, situated on the west bank of
the Nile is not only one of the most unusual monasteries in
Egypt, but is also believed to have been one of the last
destinations visited by the Holy Family on their journey
through Egypt. Many scholars believe that Assuit was as far
south as the Holy Family, Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Joseph
got before leaving Egypt for Nazareth. Since that time, monks of the monastery believe that this
area has been constantly inhabited by Christians. Indeed, the
this area of Egypt has traditionally been heavily populated by
the Coptics.
 This Monastery of St. Mary, and within it, the cave Chapel
of St. Mary is said to date from the first century. Receiving
as many as one million visitors per year, it is said that the
Virgin Mary from time to time appears in a luminous form
within the chapel. This monastery should not be confused with
the much larger El Moharek Monastery further south.
The month of August, which is believed to be the month in
which the Holy Family arrived in Assiut, is the busiest for
visitors to the monastery. The monastery has
celebrations from August 7th until the 21st. The
Monastery conducts masses and baptisms daily, and receives
visitors from 6 AM until 6 PM. Visitors may overnight in
the Monastery provided prior consent is arranged.
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