February 8, 2010

Egypt restores world’s oldest monastery


by Benjamin Graham

Egypt has completed the restoration of what is believed to be the world’s oldest Christian monastery, Saint Anthony’s.

The 1,600 year old site near Suez City re-opened to visitors this week after a five year renovation project costing $14 million (£9 million).

Two main churches, the monk’s quarters, an ancient wall and a tower have been newly restored.

The monastery has long been a site of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians, and the Egyptian government’s restoration of the site forms part of an ongoing attempt to improve relations between Christians and Muslims in the Muslim-majority country.

Egypt’s chief archaeologist, Zahi Hawass, said much of the restoration work at the site was carried out my Muslims.

“The second and final stage of the restoration of this monastery is concluded,” Hawass said.

“The announcement we are making today shows to the world how we are keen to restore the monuments of our past, whether Coptic, Jewish or Muslim,” he added.

Saint Anthony, who lived in the 3rd century, withdrew from public life and lived in a cave in remote mountains near to the Red Sea.

After his death his followers built the monastery and named it after him.

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