The Abu Mena Monastery Complex
Abu Mena, located in the Western Desert 45 kms south east of Alexandria, is an extensive complex of building remains including a monastery, bapistery, public buildings, streets, houses, workshops and a Basilica.
Abu Mena was built in remembrance of the martyr, Menas of Alexandria. Abu Mena joined the Roman army as an Egyptian soldier in Algeria briefly, before later living as a hermit. He was subsequently tortured and executed in 296AD for his Christian faith under the orders of the emperor Diocletian.
On his death his body was transported to the Western desert for burial, but the camel transferring his body stopped during the journey and could not be persuaded to continue. The place where the camel stopped became the city of Abu Mena and a healing spring attracted Christian pilgrims during Late Antiquity from Europe, the Sudan and the Middle East. Still revered today as a Saint, particularly in the Coptic church, the ruins of Abu Mena today are threatened by ground water. |
The monastery complex and city was later demolished by a series of rulers, most notably during the Arab invasion of Egypt in the 7th century. |
Icon Holidays can arrange your visit to Egypt and Abu Mena, with our range of superb hotels to choose from, private transfers and personal recommendations to help you enjoy this significant site.
