Monastery of Saint Mina

The Monastery of Saint Mina is a religious complex in Alexandria Governorate with multiple churches, monastic dwellings, and two chambers holding remains of the saints venerated here. The main cathedral and surrounding structures create a self-contained sacred space for the community that inhabits it.

The monastery was founded in 1959 near an ancient pilgrimage site that thrived during the fifth to seventh centuries. This location connects the modern community to centuries of spiritual devotion that once drew pilgrims to this sacred land.

The monastery serves as a living center of Coptic Orthodox worship where daily prayers and rituals shape the rhythm of monastic life. Visitors can observe the community at work and witness the importance this place holds for pilgrims seeking spiritual connection.

Visitors should dress modestly when exploring the grounds and be mindful of prayer times when parts of the monastery may be restricted. Arriving early in the day allows better access to the main areas and a quieter experience of the sacred spaces.

Archaeologists discovered ancient clay bottles at the original pilgrimage site, showing that visitors collected blessed water and oil in these specially marked vessels. These findings reveal how far back the healing reputation of this location reaches into the past.