Wadi El Natrun is located in El Bheira governorate, in the north-eastern parts of the Western Desert in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and it is exactly located in the middle of the desert road that connects Cairo and Alexandria.

From Cairo, it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car, as the distance is approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles).

It is a historically significant region in Egypt, particularly known for its deep connection with Christian monasticism. It is a city that witnessed the first monastic gathering in the fourth century AD, to which the holy family fled with the help of “Makar the Great” from King “Herod”.

He was also known as “St. Macarius the Great”. He was an important early Christian monk and hermit who lived in Egypt during the fourth century, He is one of the founding figures of Christian monasticism, and they called him the “father of Egyptian monasticism.” After a period of spiritual training and asceticism, Macarius withdrew to “Wadi El Natrun” (the desert of Scetis) to live a life of prayer, fasting, and solitude.

He is considered the founder of monasticism in Wadi El Natron. When he moved to Wadi El Natrun in Egypt, he founded a monastic community that became one of the most important centers of Christian monasticism. The monastery of St. Macarius the Great, considered the first monastery built, is still a vital spiritual center in the Coptic Orthodox Church.

It was founded in the 4th century AD, during the lifetime of St. Macarius himself.

This monastery is one of the oldest Christian monastic communities in the world and remains as an important center of Coptic Orthodox monasticism till this day. Despite the various expansions and renovations that the church has undergone, its origins still date back to the time of St. Macarius the Great. It is also considered the beginning of the construction of many other monasteries, including the monastery of Anba Bishoy, the Baramous, and the Syriac monastery.

The monastery of St. Macarius the Great is an important historical and architectural complex. The entrance of the monastery contains a large fortified gate, the main gate which has an arched design with inscriptions reflecting Coptic Christian symbols and texts, surrounded by thick and high walls, a common feature of early Christian monasteries to protect monks from raids and invasions.

It is one of the most important and historically significant monasteries in Wadi El Natrun, it is also considered as a key center of Coptic Orthodox monasticism.

It is similar to the other ancient monasteries in Wadi al-Natrun, surrounded by thick and high walls that were built to protect the monks from the raids of desert tribes. But these walls give the monastery a fortress-like appearance. It also has a large guarded gate, which includes an arched design featuring symbols or inscriptions reflecting the Coptic Christian faith. Above the gate, there is a bell tower or a chapel.

It is one of the most historically significant monasteries. It has a rich history intertwined with the Syriac (Suryani) Christian tradition.

It was established in the 6th century AD.

It was founded to serve as a settlement for Syrian monks who took refuge in Egypt due to religious persecution and theological disputes in their homeland.

Due to its association with the Syriac monks, their liturgical traditions, manuscripts, and theological teachings. It was named by this name.

All the monasteries at this period have the same structure as the monastery of St. Macarius the Great, as it was the main reference.

It consists of churches, with the main church dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. It was built in the traditional Coptic basilica style, featuring a central nave, side aisles, and a sanctuary. There is also a cave church within the monastery dedicated to St. John the Short, which is believed to be where St. John lived and prayed. Additionally, the monastery includes monastic cells where the monks lived, designed for prayer, contemplation, and study. It also has a refectory (the dining hall) and a library, which is one of the most important in the Coptic Orthodox Church, making it a vital center for religious scholarship and the preservation of Christian heritage.