What Can You Do in Sohag Egypt?


Sohag, Egypt • The White Monastery

Sohag Egypt has 13 discovered tombs and continues to be a subject of much study. It is an ancient cemetery used by the Egyptians for high-ranking officials and royal staff.


The Red Monastery


What is notable about Sohag Egypt? It is usually not included on budget tours in Egypt but is still a popular location among luxury tours. Sohag’s two greatest features for tourism include the Church of the Red Monastery, called Deir el-Ahmar, which is a Christian church dating back to the 6th century. Indeed, Sohag has a great population of Coptic Christians.

Interestingly, though the Red Monastery is one of the most famous Christian monasteries in the entire country, very little is actually known about its history. (Many of the details that are presumed come from corroborating evidence from the White Monastery) Its name comes from the color of the construction material, which is made from red or burnt brick. The monastery is believed to have been built in about the fifth century A.D.

What makes the Red Monastery unique is its collection of age-old architecture, sculpture, and paint, which were presumably from the late antique period, and possibly contains some of the oldest surviving artifacts of its kind. Inside the monastery you can find the Church of Saint Pshoi situated in the northeastern corner. The Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in the southwestern corner of the building is a very antiquated church as well as an ancient well just to the west.


The White Monastery


In contrast to the Red Monastery is the White Monastery, named for its limestone walls. Its design is similar to that of a Pharaonic temple and was grandly conceived. It is believed that at one point over 4,000 monks used the temple, considering that it was one that covered well over 12,000 acres.

Visitors to Sohag Egypt can still see some evidence of old facilities of the monastery like kitchens, storehouses, cells and a second church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Not a lot is left of the glory of the original White Monastery, and most of what you will see is actually considered the jewel section of the original monastery. One of the best features of the White Monastery is the impressive dimensions of the building; it standing at 172 feet long and 76 feet wide.

It should be noted that one of the best features of the ruins, the church's beautiful interior murals, are currently going under restoration work by permission of two organizations, including the U.S. Agency for International Development and the American Research Center in Egypt.

Sohag Egypt may not have the luxury tours feel that you might expect from other Egypt hot spots, however, if you enjoy learning about history and culture then this capital is a must-see destination.



Egypt Tours and Travel


Design Your Personal Egypt Tour and Receive
a Custom Itinerary and Quote Within 24 Hours...


12 Days: Egypt Luxury Tour
With the Egypt Luxury Tour guests experience twelve days of fascinating history, gorgeous scenery and world-class treatment. Expect the best of ancient Egypt and the Red Sea. Explore Cairo, an Aswan-Luxor Nile Cruise, and scuba diving near Red Sea Hurghada.


10 Days: Egypt Highlights Tour
See the “Best of Egypt” on the remarkable ten-day Egypt Highlights Tour that takes travelers to some of the most famous sites of Egypt, including ancient historical locations and modern tourist destinations too.


8 Days: Egypt Adventure Tour
The Classic Egypt Adventure Tour is an eight day exploration that takes in the most famous sights of the region, but begins with a day in Cairo where the Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum are on the itinerary. Tour Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the majestic temples of Abu Simbel


8 Days: Egypt Vacation Tour
The Egypt Vacation Tour is an ideal solution for someone who has never before seen this ancient land. It takes them on an eight-day exploration of some of the most famous and notable sites. Tour Cairo and cruise the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.


5 Days: Egypt Pyramid Tour
On the Classical Egypt Pyramid Tour you will travel to Egypt and enjoy the many different sites and locations selected by ancient pharaohs. On this Egypt vacation you will visit Cairo, Giza, Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur.


Day Trip to Minya, Tell El Amarna, Beni Hassan from Cairo
Some of the most compelling and memorable experiences in all of Egypt are born from quaint Minya, Tell El Amarna, Beni Hassan Tours. The day trip to Minya, Tell El Amarna, Beni Hassan from Cairo is great off the beaten path experience.


LUXOR DAY TOURS
All our Egypt tours are private and fully customizable. We can add Sohag Egypt to your Egypt tour itinerary.