Architectural remains dating from the early Coptic monastic period in the 5th c. AD, have been discovered in Al-Qalaya area of Beheira Governorate.

The Egyptian archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, working in the Qalaya area of Hosh Issa, in Beheira Governorate, has discovered a building believed to have been used as a hostel during the early period of Coptic monasticism. The building dates back to the 5th c. AD and was discovered during ongoing excavations at the site.

The excavations revealed many architectural elements added to the building in later historical periods, reflecting its evolving use over successive eras.

Dr. Hisham El-Leithi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that this discovery represents a significant scientific contribution to the study of the development of early monastic architecture in Egypt. He noted that Al-Qalaya is the second largest monastic community in the history of Christian monasticism and that its architectural style reflects the original core of the monastic establishment. He noted that the discovered decorations and paintings are among the most important sources for the study of early Coptic art in Egypt, given their historical and archaeological significance, which sheds light on the nature of monastic life and the development of art in its early stages.

He added that this discovery clearly demonstrates the evolution of monastic architecture with its simple, ascetic character and reveals the functional progression from individual cells to semi-communal living, culminating in facilities dedicated to receiving visitors, whether they are elderly monks, novices, or other tourists.

For his part, Dr. Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Department at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the discovered building consists of 13 multifunctional rooms, including rooms for individual and communal living for monks, as well as rooms for hospitality and education. These are spacious rooms separated by architectural arches, along with service facilities such as a kitchen and storage areas. He noted that in the northern part of the building, a large hall was uncovered containing distinctive architectural elements, including stone platforms decorated with floral motifs, which were probably used to receive and serve visitors. The building also features a central prayer niche (eastern), with an arch in front of its eastern wall, preceded by a limestone cross. The axis of the building runs from north to south.

Professor Samir Rizk Abdel-Hafez, head of the mission and Director General of Antiquities in Beheira, added that the excavations revealed several unfinished frescoes depicting monastic figures (identified by their clothing), along with various floral motifs, including a braid pattern in red, white, and black and an eight-petalled flower.

A mural depicting two gazelles surrounded by floral motifs was also discovered, with a double circular shape containing an internal floral decoration at its center. This artistic motif reflects the richness of symbolic expression in early Coptic art. The expedition also uncovered a complete two-meter-long marble column, along with capitals and column bases, ceramic vessels, and numerous pottery fragments. Some of these fragments bear floral and geometric designs, while others contain Coptic script. Some pieces, however, lack decoration or inscriptions.

Bird and animal bone remains, along with numerous oyster shells, were also found inside one of the chambers, reflecting the nature of daily activities and food consumption at the site.

Among the most important discoveries was a rectangular limestone slab found at the entrance to one of the chambers. It bears an inscription in Coptic, possibly a funerary stele. A preliminary translation indicates the death of an individual named Abba Kir bin Shenouda, confirming continued human activity at the site during the heyday of monastic life in the area. The mission began its work at the site in 2023, during which it uncovered two monastic cells (groups of cells for monks) and a collection of wall paintings that reflect the site’s status as one of the oldest monastic centers in Egypt. The work also uncovered several service buildings and annexes associated with these structures, as well as a collection of ceramic vessels used for food preparation and for storing grains and liquids.