About half a kilometre from the monastery of St. Bishoi is Deir As-Surian, or the Syrian Monastery, which of the four monasteries in Wadi Natrun is most famous for its exquisite frescoes, icons and other religious art. The monastery’s name comes from a long ago time when many Syrian monks lived here. Built in Deir As-Surian around the cave where Saint Bishoi spent most of his days, the Church of the Virgin Mary is a beautiful and tranquil place of worship; with its enchanting gardens and picturesque desert setting, this monastery is one of the most beautiful in the region. As with all Egyptian monasteries, modest dress is mandatory. Wadi Natrun is located 100 km northwest of Cairo in the western desert. The only way to get there is by car or bus. Western Delta buses leave every hour from Heliopolis train station

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