Akhmim Coptic Monastery Tour: Exploring Christian Heritage in Sohag, Egypt

Sohag

The Egyptian monasteries are a testament to the times that Egypt has gone through since Christianity entered it

No governorate was devoid of a monastery famous for it and was a destination for religious tourism, but the province of Sohag alone, especially the city of Akhmim where many monasteries are located

Duration: 6 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Abydos - Day 1

Visiting the Martyrs Monastery & Monastery “Angel Michael” & St. Thomas the Anchorite Monastery & Prince Tadros Al-Mashreqi & of Anba Bakhoum and his sister Dhalosham & Saint George Iron Monastery & the Monastery of Saint Anba Pesada and The Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Hawawish

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Sohag or from the train station to begin your Coptic tour to Akhmim. Your first stop will be the Martyrs Monastery.

Martyrs Monastery

The Monastery of the Martyrs is one of the desert monasteries, known for its many unique features. It is one of Akhmim’s wilderness monasteries and is surrounded by numerous archaeological tombs. The famous Coptic tapestry, which is displayed in various museums worldwide, was originally found here. The monastery is also the burial site for many of Akhmim’s martyrs. The bodies of saints Discoors and Escalapius, along with 8140 martyrs, are housed here, and countless miracles have been reported.

Monastery “Angel Michael” in Salamouni

The Archangel Michael Monastery is situated on a hill above the village of Salamouni in Akhmim. The large church, dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries, is designed similarly to other Akhmim churches, featuring three semicircular structures and curves on the circular ocean. The monastery is home to a miraculous icon of Archangel Michael. Copts visit to take oil from the icon for blessings and to request miracles through the intercession of Archangel Michael.

St. Thomas the Anchorite Monastery

St. Thomas is the saint of Mount Shanshef and had many disciples, including St. Shenouda. Abba Thomas foretold Abba Shenouda’s departure, and Bishop Thomas’s body is buried in a chamber to the right of the main altar. The monastery is recognized by the Holy Synod and is known for spiritual signs and the presence of incense during Holy Glorification.

The Monastery of Prince Tadros Al-Mashreqi

Located above the mountain road to the quarries east of the University, about 1 km to the south, this monastery was built around the 17th century. The archaeological church resembles other Akhmim monasteries, built in the Bakhumi system – the communion system – featuring three structures and a dome with corner corners in front of the main temple.

Take a short break for lunch at a local restaurant.

The Monastery of Anba Bakhoum and His Sister Dhalosham

This monastery is located in the northeastern part of the village of Sawamah East, about 12 km north of Akhmim. The remaining part of the monastery is similar to the monastery of St. Shenouda. The old church’s columns can be found in the western courtyard, dating back to the 6th/7th century AD. Anba Bakhoum and his sister Dhalosham are the nephews of the martyr Anba Bisada, Bishop of Ansay, who was martyred during the reign of Diocletian.

Saint George Iron Monastery

Situated on the eastern road between Akhmim and Nagi Hammadi, about 15 km south of Akhmim, this monastery was formerly known as the Monastery of Iron of Saints or Logius and Arsanyos. It was later named after the Roman martyr George. The church is located within a high wall on a hill, with only the archaeological church and some buildings for Coptic families remaining. The church design is similar to other Akhmim churches from the 16th and 17th centuries. The monastery was named ‘iron’ due to the iron marks placed by excavators during the digging of the Farouqia canal, which led to the partial demolition of the monastery’s fence. The marks were moved, and it is believed that St. George intervened to preserve the monastery.

The Monastery of Saint Anba Pesada

Located on the eastern road from Akhmim to Nagi Hammadi, about 18 km south of Akhmim, this monastery’s church is the only remaining building of the old monastery, dating back to the era of Akhmim churches. The monastery houses ancient manuscripts and icons that reflect the glory and grace of the martyrs. It also tells of the persecution faced by Christians under Diocletian. Floral motifs in the church indicate the transition from paganism to Christianity. The inner baptismal chamber contains the body of the martyr Anba Bessada, along with the bodies of his sister Bakhom and Dhalosham.

The Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Hawawish

Located 4 km east of the village of Hawawish, which is 12 km southeast of Akhmim, this monastery is surrounded by a square wall. The main building, the monastery church, dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The Holy Synod recognized monasticism in this monastery after its reconstruction, and it now contains a rare collection of saints’ bodies inside the old church.

At the end of the trip, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Sohag.

What's Included