A joint Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Faculty of Archaeology at Cairo University announced new finds in the remains of an ancient monastery dating back to the period between the 4th and 6th centuries AD. The site is located in the area of buried monasteries in Wadi El Natrun, Beheira Governorate, which is considered one of the most important centers for the emergence of monasticism in Egypt and the world.

This discovery represents a significant stage in the development of early monastic life, shedding light on the architectural planning of the first monasteries in this region of great religious and historical value.

The building covers an area of approximately 2,000 square meters and is constructed of mud bricks. The outer walls are up to one meter thick, while the inner walls range between 60 and 70 centimeters in thickness and between 1.80 and 2.20 meters in height. The building features a central open courtyard at the heart of the overall layout, surrounded by a series of architectural units including smaller courtyards opening onto monks’ cells of varying shapes and sizes, ranging from square to rectangular. A number of service annexes were also uncovered in the western part of the building, including fully equipped kitchens, ovens, and storage areas for provisions.

Excavations also revealed several burial chambers within the building containing human remains, likely belonging to monks of the monastery, indicating the funerary practices associated with monastic life during that period.

Architectural studies revealed the use of diverse roofing systems, including vaults and domes constructed of mud bricks. The walls were covered with a layer of white plaster and decorated with murals featuring crosses, palm trees, and various floral and geometric motifs. A number of Coptic inscriptions were also found, including the names of monks who resided at the monastery, along with religious texts invoking mercy and forgiveness. This discovery contributes to dating the building and documenting the daily lives of the monks.

In a statement, Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy emphasized the site’s importance to our understanding of the beginnings of monasticism in Egypt, since Wadi El Natrun is one of the most important spiritual and historical centers in Egypt, pointing that this discovery enhances Egypt’s position on the international religious and cultural tourism map. He also noted the Ministry’s commitment to integrating Coptic archaeological sites into comprehensive tourism products, particularly within the framework of the Holy Family Trail, thus diversifying the tourist experience and highlighting the richness of Egyptian heritage.

For his part, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that this discovery comes within the framework of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve buried heritage, due to the increased interest of visitors in Coptic sites. Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel-Sadek, President of Cairo University, confirmed that the discovery was made entirely by Egyptian hands, using the latest scientific methods in excavation work, within the framework of close cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Dr. Mohsen Saleh, Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology at Cairo University, indicated that the mission has developed a comprehensive plan to document and preserve the discovered building according to the latest scientific standards, taking into account the nature of the clay building materials and achieving sustainability principles.

Dr. Diaa Zahran, Head of the Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Sector, explained that the building is a complete model of early monastic buildings, as it retains most of its architectural elements.

Dr. Mohamed Toman, Head of the Central Administration of Antiquities for Lower Egypt and Sinai, also confirmed that the discovery adds a new dimension to understanding the planning of early monasteries, especially with the presence of internal burial chambers that reflect the nature of monastic life. In the same context, Dr. Yasser Ismail Abdel Salam, head of the archaeological mission, explained that this discovery represents important material evidence that confirms the historical accounts about the origin of monasticism in Wadi El Natrun, noting that the building reflects a transitional stage in the development of monastic architecture between individual cells and large monasteries.