The Upper Egypt Tour
Wadi Al-Rayan
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The caves of the Wadi al-Rayan offered Christians a good hiding place during the Roman persecution (until 311 AD). Some caves were later used by hermits. Father Matta al-Meskeen, the father of modern Coptic monasticism, lived here in the 1950 and 1960s. Today some monks from the Monastery of Makarios live here in great isolation.
© copyright Amir Milad
Cave at Dayr Abu Lifa, once offering refuge to persecuted Christians in Roman times and place where hermits have lived.

© copyright Amir Milad
 Modern cell of hermit at Wadi al-Rayan.

© copyright Amir Milad
Roman remains in the area.

© copyright Amir Milad
Modern cell of hermit at Wadi al-Rayan.

© copyright Amir Milad
Spring area of the Wadi al-Rayan, a beautiful area where one can camp.