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The Monastery of St Paul is considered Christianity's first ascetic hermit. His remains are kept in one of the monastery's three churches built in and around the cave where he once lived and worshiped for some 85 years.
Although the Coptic monastery itself is much smaller than that of nearby St Anthony, you are welcome to stay a few nights. There is much to see: freshwater springs, colorful wall paintings, altars with candles, and ostrich eggs that symbolize the Resurrection. The fortress in the middle was once where the monks withdrew during hostile raids. The monastery also houses many important old and illustrated manuscripts. It is situated 26 kilometers south of Zafarana. St Paul (c. 228-343 AD), is a contemporary of St Anthony.
The monastery, named after the father of Christian monasticism, was built two kilometers south of the cave where St Anthony (c. 251-356 AD) retreated to pursue an isolated ascetic life.
