The Monastery of the Syrians, also known as Deir al-Surian, is a significant historical and religious site located in the Wadi Natrun region of Egypt’s Western Desert. Here are more details about it:
Historical Significance: The monastery’s foundations date back to the 4th century AD. It is named after a group of Syrian (al-Surian) monks who settled there in 984 AD1.
Architectural Features: The monastery complex includes a fortress, monastic cells, and three main churches: the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Cave of the Virgin Mary, and the Church of Archangel Michael1. The Church of the Virgin Mary, built in 645 AD, is adorned with beautiful engravings on its walls, doors, and domes1.
Artistic Treasures: In 1994, researchers discovered many frescos dating from the 7th to 18th centuries AD on the plaster layers of the church walls. These depict scenes such as the birth and death of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ carrying her soul1.
Library and Manuscripts: An extensive collection of Syriac manuscripts was found in the monastery’s library during the 19th century. This collection, which includes some of the oldest Greek texts by Aristotle, Euclid, and Hippocrates, is now housed in the Vatican Library and other institutions1.
The Monastery of the Syrians stands as a beacon for visitors and scholars, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of religious and cultural history. It is currently the smallest surviving monastery in Wadi Natrun but remains one of the most renowned among clergymen and scholars worldwide1.