Abu Mena
Abu Mena was a town, monastery complex and Christian pilgrimage center in Late Antique Egypt. It was built in remembrance of the martyr Menas of Alexandria, who died in 296 A.D. This archeological site is located about 45 km southwest of Alexandria.Byzantine Empire and Civilization .
Reviews
Kelly K. Henry (USA):
Abu Mena is not an easy place to visit. It's about 90km West and a bit south from Alexandria. You have to take a taxi which should cost about US$20. The monastery is huge with lots of buildings, a beautiful basilica that is currently being restored. The current Egyptian craftsmanship is far better than anything else being done in the country right now. The ancient monastery archaeology site is off limits to tourists and is virtually impossible to even find on your own. There must have been 2,000 people at the monastery when I visited in September 2004 but I couldn't find one who spoke English, Spanish or French. The ride itself, out through the desert and past a huge abandoned industrial park is worth the trip alone. Take bottled water - none is available at the monastery. St. Mina was an interesting guy. This is the site where the camel carrying his body to burial stopped. A healing spring miraculously started here and many pilgrims came for healing.
Have you been to Abu Mena? Share your experiences!
- Abu Mena
- Year: 1979
- Country: Egypt
- Category: Religious structure, Christian
- In Danger
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Reasons for inscription
News and links:
» The Monastery.
» Schätze der Welt.
» Abu Mena (Abu Mina).
» Religious tourism as big business.