Deir el-Fachūrī - Deir el-Fachūrī

Deir el-Fachuri (also Monastery of St. Matthew the Potter or Monastery of St. Matthew the poor, Arabic:دير الفخوري‎, Dair al-Fachūrī) is a egyptian Monastery in the governorate Luxor. It is located northwest of Esna on the edge of the desert, about 7 kilometers west of the village Aṣfūn el-Maṭāʿna located near the hamlet of Nagʿ el-Zineiqa on the western bank of the Nile.

background

The origins of the monastery go back to the first half of the eighth century. It is located on the edge of the village in the desert and is surrounded by a high wall. There are several Christian graves in the vicinity of the monastery, which date from around the 15th century.

Matthew became a monk in the Church of St. Virgin in el-Maqbabat and later went to Esna or Asfun.

Since 1975 the monastery has been inhabited by monks again.

getting there

The journey can only be made by car, taxi or minibus.

mobility

The vehicle can be parked right next to the monastery walls. In the monastery one moves on foot.

Tourist Attractions

The monastery sights include the frescoes in the Church of St. Mathias the Potter, where the saint's grave is also located. The frescoes date from the 11th to 13th centuries and show, among other things, Jesus and the twelve apostles. The three Heikal (Holy of Holies) are adorned with depictions of angels and saints.

activities

kitchen

accommodation

Accommodation is usually chosen in Luxor. There are no hotels in Esna.

trips

The visit of the monastery can be done with the visit of Esna and the monastery Deir esch-Schuhadāʾ connect.

literature

• Meinardus, Otto F. A.: Christian Egypt, ancient and modern. Cairo: American University at Cairo Press, 1977 (2nd edition), ISBN 978-977-201-496-5 , P. 438 f.
• Leroy, Jules: Les peintures des couvents du désert d'Esna. Le Caire: Inst. Français d’archéologie orientale, 1975, La peinture murale chez les coptes; 1, Pp. 17-29, panels 50-79.