The Monastery of St. Simeon

The Monastery of St. Simeon is not only one of the largest in the Coptic Orthodox Church, but it is also one of the oldest. Knowing that many monks were protected there as Christianity spread through the Nuba kingdoms and that the monastery still has these and other inscriptions of Jesus Christ makes me sure that it is one of the most important Coptic monasteries in the history of the religion. 

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The location of the Monastery of St. Simeon in Aswan:

The monastery is located southwest of Elephantine Island in the city of Aswan. Although it is in a desert location, the road to the monastery’s entrance is built of its asphalt and takes approximately an hour to go from Aswan’s old market.

About the Monastery of St. Simeon:

The monastery covers 6 acres and stands at a height of 5.5 meters. It symbolizes a distinct Coptic architectural style. It is now the only Pachom monastery that still exists. It consists of granite and mud brick houses and rooms. It was erected in two sections, the lower of which was devoted to creating Christian religious ceremonies, while the top building was a residence for monks.

History of the Monastery of St. Simeon:

The monastery’s history is fascinating. When Coptic monks built the Monastery of St. Simeon in the seventh century, they did so to use its peaceful surroundings as a place to quiet their minds and think deeply. Even though it was only used for a short time and fixed once before being left as if it were dead in the 13th century, the monastery has been kept in perfect shape. Because there are so many beautiful places to take pictures, it is also an excellent place for tourists.

At that time, a wall was built around the complex to protect the monks from Bedouin raids, which were often used to steal things. As you get closer to the stone and mud wall, you can see a breathtaking view of the landscape around you.

Describe the interior design of the Monastery of St. Simeon:

The St. Simeon Monastery’s location in the middle of the desert makes it look like a picture-perfect scene. The building has two floors. The first floor is made of stone and is where the community’s church is held most of the time. Second, the upper level was built with mud bricks, and the whole building is surrounded by a strong wall that measures 10 meters (33 feet) around. The building is beautiful, and the air is filled with a deep sense of respect. Pilgrims left their beds, called mastabas, and other personal items in the inner rooms, which have been saved. Because this building has so much space, more than a thousand monks likely used to live there simultaneously.

Upper Terrace

On the lower terrace, you can see the actual rock caves where the Saints lived, the church, the baptistery, and a place where pilgrims gather. The main entrance is on the east side of the enclosure, where there is a protrusion. You can find this outcropping right next to the watchtower, and the barrel-shaped ceiling is right above the entrance to the monastery.

The Main Church
Even though the church was built sometime in the first half of the eleventh century, historians can’t agree on the exact date. Various estimates say that it was built in the ninth century. It is also the first Christian monastery ever to be built in Egypt. It is a famous example of a domed oblong church, a type of monastery that dates back to the beginning of the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt, even though all that is left of it is the building’s foundation (969-1173).

Lower Terrace
On the highest level of the monastery was the massive keep, also known as the permanent living quarters for the monks. The name for it was the qasr. To get to the monastery’s upper terrace, you must climb the steps along the church’s north wall in the lower part of the complex. People who like to learn about the history of critical religious sites will enjoy their time here.

Celebrating the birth of Anba Hadra:

Hundreds of Christian families from Aswan and Upper Egypt celebrate the birth of the monastery’s founder, Anba Hadra or Anba Simeon, who died on the 12th of Kiahk. He is the most well-known Christian saint from the fifth century, the Gregorian. Because of him, many monks were safeguarded throughout the spread of Christianity between Egypt’s rulers and other Middle Eastern nations.

 

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