Christian Pilgrimage in Egypt: Following the Holy Family

The journey of the Holy Family into Egypt is one of the most significant biblical accounts in terms of spirituality and historical importance. As mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and warned him that King Herod was trying to kill the young Jesus.

Hence, Joseph took Mary and the infant Jesus by night and fled to Egypt.

The journey covered more than 3500 km and took more than 3 years through desert borders, coastal entries, the fertile Delta, city quarters along the Nile, and the remote limestone cliffs of Upper Egypt. Today, retracing the footsteps of the Holy Family is an immersive pilgrimage into early Christianity, ancient Coptic roots, and Egypt’s rich history.

1. The Entrance and the Delta Trail

The Holy Family entered Egypt through northern Sinai and crossed the scorching desert before reaching their first settlements in the eastern and central Nile Delta.

Tell Basta and Mostorod

After crossing the border into Egypt, the family reached Tell Basta (Bubastis). As they entered the city, the local pagan idols fell, and the residents started chasing the Holy Family. Jesus caused a water spring to gush from the ground, blessing the place. Heading towards southwest and present-day Cairo, they arrived at Mostorod where the Virgin Mary bathed the infant Jesus and washed his clothes. The locals named the place Al-Mahamma (the bathing place), and a historic church stands over the site.

Sakha and Samannoud

The family further traveled west into the Delta and spent some time at Samannoud. The locals warmly welcomed them and offered food. In the Church of the Virgin Mary and Saint Abanoub, visitors can find an ancient granite trough where Mary prepared food and a holy well where she collected water. Further west at Kafr El-Sheikh lies Sakha, world-famous for the Bikha Isous (The Footprint of Jesus). The imprint of the infant Jesus’s foot is visible on a slab of stone, an artifact that was hidden for centuries by local Christians and uncovered recently.

2. Sanctuary in Greater Cairo

The family headed south towards the urban settlements of Greater Cairo, spending a few weeks seeking refuge. Greater Cairo constitutes the main destination for modern-day pilgrims rewalking the Holy Family’s trail.

The Historic Quarter of Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo)

Encircled within the walls of the ancient Roman Babylon Fortress are some of the most sacred sites along the trail:

Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga): This 4th-century landmark church hosts an underground stone crypt where the Holy Family reportedly sought refuge during their time in Cairo. The lower chamber offers a glimpse underground to the crypt where the family spent part of their stay, providing a sober and silent place for prayer.

The Hanging Church (Al-Muallaka): Suspended from the gatehouses of the Roman fortress, its cedarwood roof takes the shape of Noah’s Ark, and its intricate ivory-inlaid screens and ancient Coptic icons rightly attract history enthusiasts.

Matariya and the Virgin’s Tree

At Matariya, a northern suburb of Cairo, the family took a short break under the shade of a sycamore tree, still known as Mary’s Tree (Shagarat Mariam). Local traditions state that Jesus blessed a spring of water from which fragrant balsam plants grew, used to anoint holy oils.

The Nile Waterfront at Maadi

Further south along the riverfront at Maadi, the family boarded a wooden sailboat and headed further south into Upper Egypt. Today, the Church of the Virgin Mary overlooks the river from where the family most likely embarked on their boat journey down the Nile. Visitors can descend the steps where the family once walked and explore the Bible found in the sanctuary, floating in the river in 1976 and opened at Isaiah 19:25: “Blessed be Egypt my people.”

3. The Desert Sanctuary of Wadi El-Natrun

Before heading into deep Upper Egypt, the family blessed the western desert region of Wadi El-Natrun (Scetis). This desert valley became the birthplace of Christian monasticism in the 4th century under the influence of the Desert Fathers.

Today, four active and fortified monasteries dot this ancient region:

Deir Anba Bishoy: This monastery is famed for its ancient keep tower (hisn), domed chapels, and the uncorrupted body of Saint Bishoy.

Deir Al-Suryan (Monastery of the Syrians): Home to the 8th-century wall frescoes, the monastery’s ancient library, and the historic “Tree of Saint Ephrem” attract many visitors.

Deir Al-Baramus: This isolated monastery is known for its medieval defensive walls and ancient churches.

Deir Abu Maqar (Monastery of Saint Macarius): The historic center of theology and monastic studies for centuries.

4. Upper Egypt: Mountain Caves and Long Stay

The journey into Upper Egypt took the Holy Family through white limestone mountain ranges and tranquil river bends before reaching their longest stay.

Gabal El-Teir (Minya)

A white cliff escarpment called Gabal El-Teir (Mountain of the Birds) towers over the horizon near Samalut in Minya Governorate. Empress Helena built a rock-hewn church in 328 AD upon the cave where the Holy Family took refuge. Locally known as Kaff El-Adra (The Palm of Our Lady), tradition holds that Jesus stretched out his hand and stopped a falling mountain boulder from crushing their boat.

Deir El-Muharraq (Mount Qosqam, Assiut)

The southernmost point reached by the Holy Family is marked by Deir El-Muharraq (also known as Mount Qosqam) in Assiut Governorate, near El Qusia. They lived in a simple mudbrick room for six months and ten days – the family’s longest stay at any one place in Egypt. Inside the 1st-century Chapel of the Virgin Mary, the stone altar is considered one of the oldest continuously used Christian altars in the world. It was in this very spot that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, informing him that Herod was dead. He was commanded to return to the Land of Israel.

Mount Dronka

Before commencing their long journey back to Nazareth, the family sought refuge in a natural mountain cavern at Mount Dronka, southwest of Assiut city, to avoid seasonal Nile floods. This cavern complex today constitutes a major site of pilgrimage for thousands who come to this remote area, encircled by the Nile Valley.

Practical Travel Recommendations for Pilgrims

Best season to visit: The cooler months from October to April are the best time to travel around both the Delta and Upper Egypt.

Appropriate attire and behavior: Dress modestly, particularly when visiting active monasteries and ancient crypts.

Transportation: Renting a private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver and guide is the best option for getting to remote desert monasteries and other regional sites.