"The Holy Family journey in Egypt: Al Matariyah" Al Matariyah by Diana75

Al Matariyah Travel Guide: 14 reviews and 41 photos

"Take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt" (Matthew 2:13)

At the entrance to Al-Matariyah

Egypt was part of one of the major events in the biblical history: the journey of Jesus Christ with his mother, the Virgin Mary, and Joseph.

Many of the sites where they stopped are located in Cairo and its surroundings and became now important pilgrimage destinations for both Christian and Muslims.

Although there are many interesting sites, beside the Coptic Cairo and Maadi Church, we have visited only three of these: Al Matariyah, Belbeis and Mostorod.

Jesus well in Al-Mataryiah (view from Mary's tree)

The Holy Family arrived in Al Matariyah coming from Wadi Al-Natrun, the centre of monastic Coptic Orthodox Church life.

They then left the desert behind and made their way southwards, crossing the Nile to its eastern bank, in order to arrive to Al Matariyah and Ain Shams.

At AI Matariya the Holy Family sheltered under a tree known nowadays as the Virgin Mary's tree.

Here is also the spring of water from which Jesus drank, and blessed it.

I've put all the interesting places in Al Matariyah under the "Things to do" chapter, according to the order they are located from the entrance to the site; while under the "Off the beaten path" are some details I've particularly liked there.

Last visit to Al Matariyah: Sep 2005
Intro Updated Apr 4, 2006
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Reviews (13)

The Holy Family in Al Matariyah - Al Matariyah

Holy Family representations Off The Beaten Path (3)

Numerous representations of the Holy Family journey in Egypt can be found all over the place. The first one is... more travel advice

St. George fresco Off The Beaten Path (3)

This colorful mosaic presenting St. George killing the dragon is located on the left wall in Al Matariyah shortly after... more travel advice

Trees, flowers, cactuses Off The Beaten Path (3)

I've been pretty impressed about the rich vegetation inside Al Matariyah site. Interesting trees in full blossom,... more travel advice

Police surveillance Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Although quite discreet, this police patrol joined our bus on our way to Belbeis and accompanied us from there to... more travel advice

Things to Do (9)
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Comments (6)

matcrazy1 Nov 9, 2006 at 3:46 PM Report Abuse

Very interesting page and tips on the Holy Family. Great job!
LoriPori Jul 17, 2006 at 4:53 AM Report Abuse

Fascinating info about the Holy Family and their connection to Egypt. Lovely dedications to them also. And thank you for visiting my Antwerp, Belgium page.
luckyzen Jun 30, 2006 at 2:08 PM Report Abuse

Thanks Diana, for dropping by. I decided to take it real easy this w/end. Your Al Matariyah Page is great with good info and pic's. Re: your w/end? Have a good one!!
MalenaN Apr 7, 2006 at 11:38 PM Report Abuse

Al Matariyah sounds to be a nice place to visit, with lovely vegetation!
Luchonda Apr 5, 2006 at 9:53 AM Report Abuse

Catholic symbols in Egypt ? ! Nice to know and excellent page Diana
Fam.Rauca Apr 4, 2006 at 1:14 PM Report Abuse

Felicitari!!! Este o relaxare sa privesc noutaile pe care le aduci in fiecare zi in paginile tale! Gabriela