Monastery of Saint Epiphanius

The Monastery of Saint Epiphanius is an early Christian complex near Luxor with multiple stone structures arranged in a functional layout. The site contains chambers and corridors that once housed monastic life within view of ancient Thebes.

The site was established in the early Christian period as a refuge for believers withdrawing from the world. Excavations by the Metropolitan Museum of Art between 1912 and 1914 revealed the scale of this community and its role in the region.

The monastery displays traces of Coptic religious life through inscriptions and everyday objects that visitors can observe in the spaces today. These material remains offer a direct impression of how monks prayed, worked, and lived together in this community.

The location near Luxor makes it easy to combine with other archaeological sites in the region. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground and limited shade throughout the area.

Thousands of ostraca were found at the monastery - small pottery fragments on which people wrote prayers and thoughts. These intimate writings provide a window into the minds and concerns of people more than 1400 years ago.