Ain El-Hamra Spring is located in the Wadi El Natrun region, that blessed spot considered one of the most important spiritual centers in Egypt and the Christian world. This location is linked to the tradition of the Holy Family's journey through Egypt, as it is recounted that while the Holy Family was crossing the desert stretch of Wadi El Natrun, they became severely thirsty, so the Lord Jesus caused a spring of fresh water to gush forth from which they drank and rested beside, and from then on the place became known as Ain El-Hamra (the Red Spring).
The importance of this location is further enhanced by the rich Coptic heritage surrounding it, as it is home to the oldest four active Coptic monasteries inhabited by monks: the Syrian Monastery (Deir Al-Suryan), the Monastery of Baramous, the Monastery of Anba Bishoy, and the Monastery of Abu Maqar, all founded in the 5th century AD. Over the ages, Wadi El Natrun has become a unique spiritual center, combining the sanctity of the Holy Family's journey with the depth of monastic life, and attracting monks and visitors from around the world.
Quick Facts:
Location: Wadi El Natrun – Beheira Governorate
Site type: Natural and spiritual site
Significance: A station along the Holy Family's route
Key features: The historic spring – the desert environment – the nearby monasteries
Development Works
The plan includes building a specialized hospital for treating skin diseases, a care home for the elderly, a four-star hotel, and an eco-tourism area offering rural products, in addition to establishing a solar power station and working to make the entire area environmentally friendly, as well as constructing a road linking the site to the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road and the neighboring monasteries.
