The Monastery of El Suryan | Cairo Attractions

Location: I

t is located about 1640 feet northwest of Deir Anba Beshoy. Who built it? It was also built by St. Beshoy in the sixth century, though some might date it later. Why was it built? It was built to be dedicated to Virgin Mary. Explanation: It has an interesting cave where St. Beshoy is said to have prayed with his hair tied with a chain to the roof to prevent him from sleeping. The monastery was acquired by Syrian monks at some time, this is why it gained its modern name "Al-Suryan" which means (the Syrians). The name is shortened from the monastery's long name: "Monastery of Saint Mary the Virgin the Lady of the Syrians." The monastery was destroyed by Berbers in 817 AD. Afterwards in 850, it was rebuilt by the two monks, Matthew and Abraham. After having traveled to Baghdad to ask the caliph al-Muqtadir bi'llah to grant tax exemption to the monasteries.

Only two Coptic patriarchs came from the Monastery of the Syrians. They were Gabriel VII and the modern Pope, Shenouda III. Both patriarchs shared a common interest in restoring and repopulating abandoned monasteries.


The monastery consists of the enclosure wall, the tower, The Church of the Holy Virgin, the Church of St. Honnos and Marutha, the Church of St. John the Little, The Refectory, a rich library with hundreds of manuscripts and a museum.

    Suggested Tours
    Why Choose Us

    • Travel Experience Since 1955

      Memphis Tours is one of the pioneers which have great impact on travel industry for more than 55 years of experience.

    • Personalized Travel Services

      Whatever your travel dreams, together we can custom-design the perfect itinerary with highly personalized services just for you

    • We Speak Your Language

      A multilingual website offers content in 8 different languages English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Chinese

    • Flexibility to Change

      We know how important it is for travellers to have the flexibility to change their itinerary due to some reasons or force majeure

    • Your Safety and Security

      A professional will accompany the guests to all of the places; they will never be left alone to fend for themselves

    • High Quality Service

      We do believe honestly that quality should come first and quantity would come later and our main objective focused on (Quality is our Top Priority)

    • Customer Service 24/7

      We offer Customer Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone and email for questions about our tours and services

    • Support Sustainable Tourism

      We are attempting to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people

    • Secure Online Payment

      Our website is protected by the world′s most secure online payment system VeriSign Secure

    • Secure Website by MacAfee

      Memphis Tours website is a McAfee Secure site that helps keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud and spyware

    Contact Us