The Monastery of the Archangel Gabriel (Deir El Malak Ghobriel)

The Monastery dates back to the 5th century, when the grandson of the king had a vision of the Virgin Mary and the two archangels Gabriel and Michael at this place. For centuries the monastery was neglected to the advantages of other nearby monasteries. The main church was largely built and redecorated late in the 19th century. But during a 1997 restoration, 11th century paintings of saints like Gabriel, Virgin Mary and Jesus were discovered. Today, the monastery has been repopulated by Coptic monks and there is an annual festival dedicated to Gabriel on 18 December. This is one of few times when the place getscrowded.