Okay, so I’ve been wanting to check out St. Paul the Anchorite Monastery for a while now. It’s supposed to be this super old, really important Coptic monastery out in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. I finally got my chance this past week, and let me tell you, it was an experience.
Getting There
First off, figuring out how to even get there was a bit of a challenge. I looked around for reliable information. Eventually decided to take the following route.
I started my journey. It took driving, walking and asking for directions from the local people.
The Monastery Itself
When I finally arrived, I was just blown away. This place is ancient. The walls, the churches, everything felt like stepping back in time.
- Walked around the main church, which is dedicated to St. Paul, of course. It’s built over the cave where he supposedly lived for like, 80 years!
- Saw some amazing icons and frescoes inside. Some of them are really old, like, centuries old. You could feel the history.
- There’s also a church dedicated to St. Anthony, another big deal in the monastic world.
- I even got to see the spring where St. Paul is said to have gotten his water. It’s still flowing!
I tried to find the special place, but i get loss, then i asked a monk for help, with his smile, he showed me the way.
The Vibe
what really struck me was the atmosphere. It was so peaceful and quiet. You could hear the monks chanting, and it just felt like a different world, away from all the hustle and bustle. I even managed to have a quick chat with one of the monks. He was super friendly and told me a bit more about the history of the place.
Wrapping Up
After spending a few hours exploring, it was time to head back. Honestly, it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had. If you’re ever in Egypt and you’re interested in history, religion, or just want to see something totally unique, I’d definitely recommend making the trip to St. Paul the Anchorite Monastery. Just be prepared for a bit of an adventure getting there! It’s worth it, believe me.
