Summary
Christian tradition holds that the Holy Family travelled through Egypt, from Sinai across the Nile Delta to Cairo and south to Asyut, before returning to Bethlehem. Today the Holy Family Trail links about 25 sites across eight governorates. The easiest to visit are in Cairo, including the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Old Cairo and the Tree of the Virgin Mary at Matariya. The route follows Church tradition, and some sites have no archaeological evidence.
The Route at a Glance
| Region | Stations |
|---|---|
| North Sinai | Rafah, Al-Zaraniq, Tell al-Farama (ancient Pelusium) |
| Nile Delta | Tell Basta, Samannud, Kafr El-Sheikh |
| Western Desert | Wadi al-Natrun and its monasteries |
| Cairo | Mostorod, Matariya, Zuweila, Old Cairo, Maadi |
| Minya | Gebel al-Tayr, Al-Ashmunein |
| Asyut | Al-Muharraq Monastery, Durunka |
The order and details differ between sources, as the route comes from tradition.
Sites to Visit in Cairo
- Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), Old Cairo: a key station, built over the place where tradition says the family sheltered.
- The Hanging Church, Old Cairo: one of the best-known churches in the same complex.
- Tree of the Virgin Mary, Matariya: the tree linked to the family’s rest.
- Church of the Virgin Mary, Maadi: beside the Nile, where tradition says they crossed the river.
See our guide to the top churches in Coptic Cairo, or join our museum and Old Cairo heritage tour.
Wadi al-Natrun Monasteries
The monasteries of Wadi al-Natrun, in the desert northwest of Cairo, are a major centre of Coptic monastic life. They include Anba Bishoy, Al-Surian, Paramus and St Macarius. Opening rules can vary, so confirm your visit in advance.
Upper Egypt: Gebel al-Tayr and Al-Muharraq
Gebel al-Tayr, in Minya, has a church above the Nile. Further south, the Al-Muharraq Monastery near Asyut is one of the most important stations, and the journey ends in tradition at the Durunka cave area. These sites are far from the usual tourist route, and travel conditions may require special arrangements, so they need careful planning.
When to Go
The cooler months are the most comfortable for this journey. Christmas in the Coptic calendar falls on 7 January; read how Christmas is celebrated in Egypt.
Planning a Holy Family Trip
The simplest option is a day in Cairo: Old Cairo, then Matariya or Maadi. A longer trip can add Wadi al-Natrun. For the Upper Egypt stations, send us your dates and the sites you would like to see, and we will confirm in writing what is possible.
Sources
This guide draws on the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and Religion Unplugged.
Holy Family in Egypt: FAQ
Where did the Holy Family stay in Egypt?
Tradition names many places, including Tell Basta, Wadi al-Natrun, Old Cairo, Gebel al-Tayr and the Al-Muharraq Monastery near Asyut.
How many stations are on the Holy Family Trail?
About 25 sites across eight governorates are usually cited.
Can I visit the Holy Family sites in one day?
You can see the main Cairo sites in a day. The full route takes far longer and needs special planning.
Where is the Holy Family church in Cairo?
The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, also called Abu Serga, is in Old Cairo.
Is the Holy Family route historically proven?
It comes from Church tradition. Some of the sites have no archaeological evidence.
What is the Tree of the Virgin Mary?
It is a tree at Matariya in Cairo, linked by tradition to the Holy Family’s rest there.
