The Saint Menes Monastery in Egypt
Egypt is one of the countries that enjoy
a wonderful variety of monuments and historical sites. Due to the long rich
history of the country, extending to more than 7000 years, with diverse
dynasties and kingdoms ruling over the land of the Nile, travelers who tour
Egypt enjoy visiting several Pharaonic, Christian, and Islamic monuments.
The Christian monuments in Egypt vary
from historical churches, monasteries, chapels, and many other establishments.
Today, we would be exploring one of the richest archeological Coptic sites in
Egypt. The ruins of the Monastery of Saint Means are quite remarkable. Included
in the UNESCO world heritage sites, the monastery still grabs the attention of
some of the tourists who travel to Egypt.
Saint Means lived in Egypt during the 3rd
century AD. He was born probably in Libya around 275 AD. Although Saint Means
served in the Roman army in Egypt. However, when the Roman starting executing
the newly converted Christians, he deserted the army.
Afterwards, he was martyred and his body
was transferred to the location of the monastery today in the Northern Coast of
Egypt. St Means was credited with many miracles. This is why his monastery
became a famous pilgrimage site. Today, the monastery, or let's say its ruins,
welcomes some of the tourists who enjoy their vacations in Egypt.
The ancient monastery of Saint Menes is
located 10 kilometers to the South of the city of Borg Al Arab, situated around
200 kilometers to the North West of Cairo. This is why some Egypt travel
packages which include a visit to Alexandria or the North Coast, would allow
tourists, interested in Coptic monuments, to explore the monastery.
The ruins of the Monastery of Saint Menes
include a huge sanctuary which flourished during the 5th and the 6th centuries.
The sanctuary was stolen during the 9th century searching for valuable building
materials. However, the ruins are still impressive and catch the attention of
many visitors who have wonderful holidays in Egypt.
It is astonishing to know that the
Monastery of Saint Menes was discovered in the beginning of the 20th century.
The discovery is credited to a German archeologist called Carl Coufmann in a
mission commissioned by the German Archeological Institute in Egypt which has
many important project and discoveries that amaze travelers who tour Egypt.
Among the most impressive sections of the
Monastery of Saint Menes is the great basilica which was established around the
5th century AD by the Roman Emperor, Zeno. This basilica was the largest in
Egypt at the time and one of the most wonderful Christian establishments of all
time. This is why many tourists who travel to Egypt are keen to explore its
ruins.
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