- Address
V698+9PP, Badrshein, Giza Governorate, Egypt - Web
None - Visiting Hours
Always open - What to see
Ruins of an ancient monastery
The Monastery of St. Jeremiah, also known as Deir Apa Jeremiah, is an ancient Christian monastery located at Saqqara, the largest known necropolis in Egypt. Discovered by James E. Quibell between 1906 and 1910, the monastery dates back to the 6th century and underwent a phase of expansion in the 7th century. This cenobitic monastic complex included churches, refectories, monastic cells and other buildings designed to facilitate the communal life of the monks. Dedicated to St. Jeremiah, the monastery also housed Abbot Enoch. Although the exact reason is unknown, the monastery was probably abandoned in the 9th century. Its ruins show evidence of rich decoration and architectural details, most notably the main church with decorative columns and capitals, some of which are in the Coptic Museum in Cairo.
This monastery is of interest to scholars of early Christian monasticism in Egypt. Its location in Saqqara, near the Pyramids of Giza, makes it an accessible destination for visitors and provides insight into monastic life and the spread of Christianity in the region during late antiquity. Excavations have revealed the importance of St. Jeremiah and his contribution to the development of Christian monasticism in this area, offering valuable insights into early Christian history in Egypt.
