Discover the Serenity and Spirituality of St. Anthony's and St. Paul's Monasteries

Discover Egypt’s Desert Spirituality: St. Anthony & St. Paul Monasteries Tour

Far beyond the beaches and resorts of the Red Sea lies a different side of Egypt — a land of silence, faith, and spiritual depth. Hidden within the Eastern Desert are two of the most important Christian monasteries in the world: St. Anthony Monastery and St. Paul Monastery.

A visit to these sacred sites is not just a sightseeing trip. It is a journey into the origins of Christian monasticism, a chance to experience true solitude, and an opportunity to step away from the noise of modern life.

The Story Behind the Desert Monasteries

The Life of St. Anthony – Father of Monasticism

St. Anthony was born in the 3rd century in Upper Egypt. After hearing the words of the Gospel, he chose to leave behind wealth and society to dedicate his life entirely to God. Seeking absolute solitude, he retreated deep into the Eastern Desert, where he lived as a hermit in complete isolation.

For years, St. Anthony survived with minimal food, prayer, and manual labor, living in a cave high in the mountains. His spiritual strength and discipline attracted followers, and over time, small communities formed around him. This way of life became the foundation of Christian monasticism as it is known today.

The monastery that now bears his name was established in the 4th century at the foot of the mountain where he lived and is considered the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world.

St. Paul of Thebes – The First Hermit

Not far away lies the monastery of St. Paul, who is believed to be the first Christian hermit in history. According to tradition, St. Paul fled into the desert to escape persecution and spent nearly 90 years living alone in a cave, relying entirely on faith and divine providence.

His story represents the purest form of spiritual isolation — complete separation from society in search of inner peace. The monastery was later built around his cave, preserving the place where he lived, prayed, and passed away.

Exploring St. Anthony Monastery

From the outside, St. Anthony Monastery resembles a fortified stronghold, surrounded by massive walls built to protect the monks from ancient desert raids. Inside, however, it feels like a small self-sustained village.

You will discover:

• Ancient churches decorated with rare Coptic wall paintings
• Narrow alleyways connecting prayer halls, gardens, and living quarters
• A traditional bakery and mill still used by the monks
• The main church built directly above the tomb of St. Anthony

One of the highlights of the visit is the climb to St. Anthony’s cave. More than 1,000 stone steps lead up the mountain to the place where he lived in isolation. The climb is demanding, but the panoramic view over the vast desert makes every step worthwhile.

During our guided tours, experienced local guides accompany visitors throughout the monastery and assist during the climb to St. Anthony’s cave, making the experience safe, informative, and well paced.

The Peaceful Atmosphere of St. Paul Monastery

St. Paul Monastery is smaller, simpler, and often quieter than St. Anthony’s. Its remote location creates a deeply peaceful atmosphere that many visitors find especially moving.

The church is decorated with icons and hanging ostrich eggs — an ancient Christian symbol of resurrection and eternal life. Here, the silence is profound, and visitors can truly feel the spirit of the place rather than just observe it.

Why a Guided Tour Makes the Difference

These monasteries are not tourist attractions — they are living religious communities. Understanding their history, symbolism, and daily life requires local knowledge.

That is why we organize this journey with experienced local guides who know the monasteries intimately:

• Professional local guides familiar with every corner of the sites
• Assistance during the climb to St. Anthony’s cave
• Guides available in multiple languages, making the experience accessible to all visitors
• Deep explanations of monastic life, architecture, and spiritual traditions

Having a knowledgeable local guide transforms the visit from a simple walk into a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience.

Book Your Monastery Tour with Local Experts

With Luxreisen, visiting St. Anthony and St. Paul Monasteries is not just a transfer from point A to point B. We carefully organize this day trip with experienced local guides who know the monasteries, their history, and their spiritual significance in depth.

Our guides assist you throughout the visit, including the climb to St. Anthony’s cave, and are available in all languages. This personal guidance ensures a smooth, informative, and respectful experience — allowing you to focus on the journey rather than the logistics.

Practical Information & Travel Planning

The monasteries are easily accessible from Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada, Makadi bay, Safaga, Elqusier, Marsa Alam , and El Gouna. The drive through the desert takes approximately three hours each way.

We recommend joining an organized day trip, which usually includes:

• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation
• Entrance fees
• Licensed local guide
• Time for exploration, reflection, and photography

Important Tips for Visitors:

• Dress code: Comfortable, respectful clothing is recommended.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for the cave climb.
• Essentials: Bring water, sun protection, and a hat.

A Journey for the Soul

A visit to St. Anthony and St. Paul Monasteries is more than a historical excursion — it is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with something timeless. In the heart of Egypt’s desert, far from crowds and noise, these sacred places offer rare moments of peace and spiritual depth.

With Luxreisen, this journey becomes even more meaningful through the presence of knowledgeable local guides who bring the history, faith, and stories of the desert monks to life.

If you are searching for an authentic and enriching experience in Egypt, this desert monastery tour is truly unforgettable.