The most eastern monastery in the Wadi El-Natrun
of Egypt is Dier Al Anba Bishoy, which was founded by St. Bishoy, who was
a disciple of St. Macaruis. St. Macaruis established a nearby monastery. The
current St Bishoy Monastrry buildings date from ninth century; still in use
today.
There are five churches in the monastery, but the main
church is called St. Bishoi. It has three haykals (sanctuaries), but
these days this church is used only in the summer. Another church, the
Church of the Virgin, is to the southeast and is used in the winter. To
the south is the Church of St. Iskhirun, and there is also a Church of St.
George that is not used at all. Like the Monastery of Macaruis, there is a qasr
which is accessed by a drawbridge at its first level and has a Church of the
Angel Michael on the second level.
Defensive towers, are keeps have been a part of the
architecture of Wadi El-Natrun's monasteries since the fifth century. This was
a time when the Berbers often attacked monasteries in the area. It was
Emperor Zenon who fist built keeps in Coptic monasteries, and the tower in the
Anba Bishoy Monastery is the largest and strongest of the valley.
Originally there was a one story castle build by abbot
Boutros who died in 1927 for the reception of guests to the monastery, but this
was later destroyed. It stood to the left of the church. The Well of the
Martyrs was discovered when these old ruins were removed. The current
castle is four stories, with a tower and water tank. It was built
recently by Pope Shenouda the Third.
Now called the Well of the Martyrs, this facility has
been used ever since the time of Anba Bishoy. It is said that the Berbers
washed the blood from their swords after having killed the 49 Martyrs from the
monasteries of Sheheit. Monks at the monastery also say that the Martyers were
thrown in the well prior to being interned at the nearby St. Marcarius
Monastery. It is 12 meters depth and continues to produce fresh water.