Moment of spirituality in Egypt

Al-Aqmar Mosque

A Cairo mosque, rather small in size, whose architecture and historical significance make up for the size. Located near the Al-Qalawun Complex, the Al-Aqmar Mosque is one of the last surviving Fatimid mosques in Cairo.

This was the first mosque in Cairo to benefit from an ornate facade, and also the first whose plan was developed to fit the street plan. Consider for example the intricate and delicate engravings and patterns of the walls, facade and minaret of this mosque of genuine beauty built in 1125.

The name of the mosque means moonlight in Arabic, in reference to the way its walls glitter in the moonlight.

Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque

Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi is the largest mosque in Alexandria. With its cream-colored facade, its four large cupolas, its arabesques and its large minaret, it is a magnificent monument.

Built in 1775 to commemorate the life of an Andalusian Sheikh buried here, it is one of the most visited mosques on the white Mediterranean coast.

During your visit to this incredible sanctuary, do not miss the colonnade of elongated arches, the eight massive granite columns and the magnificent marble floor

Saint Anthony and Saint Paul Monasteries

The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul are the oldest Christian monasteries. They date back to the 4th century CE, when monks began settling near the Red Sea at the foot of Galala Al-Qibliya Mountain, in hidden cliffs and caves. Both monasteries are considered the most sacred sites of the Coptic Church in Egypt.

Located away from the road to Zafarana in Beni Suef, about 70 km south of Ain Sukhna, 45 km from Hurghada, the monastery of St. Anthony is a vast complex surrounded by a high wall, including churches chapels, a bakery, a garden and a spring, and it is dedicated to the founder of monasticism, Saint Anthony. Things have changed considerably since the 4th century, when there were only a few hermits removed in these escarpments.

After a hike through the escarpments and plateaus of Mount Galala Al-Qibliya, you can reach the monastery of St. Paul, which was built in the 4th century by hermits who had chosen to isolate themselves from the material world in the same place where Saint Paul chose to live in a cave for 90 years.

Both monasteries are worth seeing, even if you are not interested in the spiritual aspect of the experience. The beauty of the show that will be revealed to you from the heights will make this visit unforgettable. 
Day trips to the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul can be arranged with any travel agent in Hurghada, or through your hotel. The tour operator you choose will arrange your pick up at your hotel early in the morning and return to the same place in the late afternoon.

The hanging church

Climb the steps that will take you to one of the most beautiful churches in the Middle East called the Hanging Church. Built above the house of the guards of the Roman fortress called Babylon, the nave of the hanging church hangs over the corridor.

Located just south of the Coptic Museum in Cairo, the Hanging Church contains in its interior 13 magnificent pillars depicting Jesus and his 12 Apostles. Listen carefully to the ancient Coptic liturgical language used during the service and admire a vestige alive of the history of ancient Egypt.