In the heart of the Egyptian province of Qena lies a hidden gem, a place where time seems to stand still and the ancient traditions of Coptic Christianity endure.

Naqada, a serene and historically significant town on the east bank of the Nile, is home to a cluster of monasteries that have been places of spiritual refuge and pilgrimage for centuries. They offer not only a glimpse into Egypt’s rich Coptic spiritual heritage, but also a sense of peace and tranquility in a bustling world.

Naqada boasts a history that stretches back to ancient Egypt, with its name originating from the hieroglyphic word Nekhet. However, it is the Coptic Christian monasteries that have made this town famous among pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.

The town houses some 10 monasteries, the most prominent of them being the Monasteries of Mar Gerges (St George) also known as Al-Magmaa or “the group” because they house five churches within their walls. These are the churches of Mar George, the Virgin Mary, Mar Yuhanna, the Angel Gabriel, and the Archangel Michael.

These ancient institutions are believed to date back to between the fourth and fifth centuries century CE, making them among the oldest Christian Monasteries in Egypt. The well-preserved architecture and stunning frescoes provide a vivid window into the past.

However, they are not just spiritually significant, but are also architectural marvels. The buildings feature distinctive elements of Coptic architecture, including stone walls, domes, and intricately carved wooden doors. The monastery churches are also adorned with beautiful frescoes depicting biblical scenes and the lives of saints, serving as both spiritual and artistic treasures.

Visitors are often struck by the peaceful courtyards and gardens within the monasteries, where olive and palm trees provide shade, and the sound of water from fountains creates a soothing atmosphere. It is no wonder that these monasteries have long been places of retreat for those seeking solitude and reflection.

After almost six years of restoration work, the Naqada Monasteries have now regained their original allure, and after the second and last phase of restoration were inaugurated earlier this week by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa and Qena Governor Ashraf Al-Dawdi.

The restoration work on the two monasteries was carried out by the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) in cooperation with Qena governorate and the Coptic Church. The project included the restoration of the main churches in the monasteries, as well as the monks’ cells and other buildings.

A new lighting system was installed, walls repaired, mud brick walls reinforced, and the foundations strengthened.

“The restoration of both monasteries is part of the ministry’s plans to preserve the country’s Coptic shrines and archaeological heritage,” Issa said, adding that the opening of the monasteries would contribute to enhancing the tourist experience in the Qena governorate.

Abu Bakr Ahmed, in charge of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the ministry, said that the second monastery, the Monastery of Saint Pisentius, dates back to the sixth century CE and is named after saint Pisentius, a renowned ascetic and scholar of his time.

The monastery is celebrated for its historical manuscripts and relics. Pilgrims visit it to pay homage to the saint’s memory and explore the rich heritage of Coptic Christianity.

Ahmed said that during the restoration work on the Monastery of St George, a small room was uncovered below the baptismal room in the northwestern side of the church called the “dome of the chrism” used to store the sacred oil of the chrism or anointing oil.

A collection of granite column bases and a Corinthian column were also discovered inside the altar of the ancient church, as well as a limestone relief with Coptic inscriptions that served as a tombstone in the 14th century.

Various crosses were also found.