Two examples of ancient Christian monasticism tucked away in the mountains near Al-Ain al-Sokhna
The monastery is located deep in the Red Sea Mountains, 334 km southeast of Cairo and can be reached from Cairo in just 5 to 6 hours. St. Anthony's Monastery was founded by followers of Anthony the Great, an early Christian monk. The monastery is one of the most prominent monasteries in Egypt, and has had a strong influence in the formation of many Coptic institutions, as well as in the promotion of monasticism in general. A number of patriarchs have come from the monastery, and it is visited by several hundred pilgrims daily.
