Day Tour to St Simeon Monastery

Discover Day Tour to St Simeon Monastery which is located near the Agha Khan Mausoleum on the west bank at Aswan, opposing the southern tip of the Elephantine Island, the monastery otherwise is known as Anba Hatre, know more about the monastery was founded in the 7th-century, but it was destroyed; and rebuilt in its present form in the 10th century, dedicated to St Simeon. From here the monks travelled into Nubia, hoping to convert the Nubians to Christianity.

The monastery was founded in the 7th-century, but it was destroyed; and rebuilt in its present form in the 10th century, dedicated to St Simeon.

From here the monks travelled into Nubia, hoping to convert the Nubians to Christianity.

The monastery consists of two levels; the lower level was built of stone, while the upper level was built of mud brick with 10-meter-high walls, giving the form of military fortress.

A long time ago the monastery housed as many as 300 monks and could receive up to 100 pilgrims at one time, but it was partially destroyed by the troops of Saladin (Salah ad-Din) in 1173.

Most of the existing buildings were added to the monastery as a kind of expansion, renovation and rebuilding process of the original building of the old monastery.

Explore St. Simon Monastery, the fortress-like 7th-century Monastery of St Simeon was first dedicated to the local saint Anba Hedra, who renounced the world on his wedding day. It was rebuilt in the 10th century and dedicated to St Simeon. From here the monks travelled into Nubia, in the hope of converting the Nubians to Christianity. To get there, take a private boat across the Nile then walk up the (mostly paved) desert track, or hire a camel to take you up.

Surrounded by desert sands, the monastery was built on two levels – the lower level of stone and the upper level of mud brick – surrounded by 10m-high walls. At its height, the monastery may have housed as many as 1000 monks, but it was partially destroyed by the troops of Saladin (Salah Ad Din) in 1173. The basilica has traces of frescoes. The cells still have their mastaba (bench) beds. The last room on the right includes graffiti from Muslim pilgrims who stayed here en route to Mecca.

An alternative way to get here is to take the ferry to the Tombs of the Nobles and ride a camel or donkey from there. Remember to bring water.

Enjoy Day Tour to St Simeon Monastery

Flying Carpet Tours delegate will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan, and you’ll be transferred by a private A/C vehicle to start a memorable Day Tour to visit St. Simeon Monastery which is located near the Agha Khan Mausoleum on the west bank at Aswan, opposing the southern tip of the Elephantine Island. Find your inner peace and explore the charming monastery which was founded in the 7th-century and reconstructed in its present form in the 10th century. Feast your soul and know more about the place where the monks travelled into Nubia, hoping to convert the Nubians to Christianity.

Included

• Pick up and drop off to your hotel in Aswan

• Excursion to St. Simeon Monastery

• Entrance fees to the above mentioned site

• English speaking guide to the site mentioned above

• Bottle of Mineral Water during the Excursion

• All transfers by air-conditioned Van

• All service charges and taxes

Excluded

• Visa to Egypt

• Any optional tours required

• Tipping