The monastery of Saint Anthony is the oldest Coptic monastery in Egypt. According to the legend, Saint Anthony, orphaned at 18, went to the mountains to become a hermit and to serve God. After his death in the fourth century his grave was founded this monastery. The monastery was repeatedly attacked by the Bedouins and Muslims.

The monastery includes not only the Church and cells for the monks living 25, but several chapels, a bakery, a mill, a library, dining hall and utility room. The Church of St. Anthony, is adorned with beautiful frescoes of the XIII century.

80 km from monastery of Saint Anthony near the monastery of St. Paul. According to tradition, Paul was born into a wealthy Alexandrian family, but at 16, went into the wilderness and become a hermit. A few decades he lived in a cave, and St. Anthony, around which later grew up the monastery.

The main Church of the monastery of St. Paul frescoed with images of the virgin Mary and Child with the archangels. On the territory of the monastery there is a high tower where water is stored from a hidden source that monks saved from death during the attacks of the Bedouins.