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Siteseeing:
Saint Simon Monastery - The Tanner : Coptic
The monastery was
built in the 6th century and monks abandoned it later, probably after 7
centuries, because of cruel barbaric attacks. Although abandoned, it is in a
good state of preservation and secluded in the deserts of Aswan.
The monastery has massive walls and is built in two levels: the lower level is
built of stone while the upper one of mud bricks. It has a keep that was
supposed to harbor the monks at the time of attacks.
The monastery looks like a fortress rather than a religious compound. Buildings
inside follow the typical composition of Coptic monasteries: a church,
storeroom, kitchens, bakeries and dormitories.
The monastery is reached by a donkey or horse ride from the Qubbet Al-Hawa or
through a route from Agha Khan
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