Journey of the Holy Family in Egypt – A Sacred Timeline
The Journey of the Holy Family in Egypt
1. Al-Farma
From Bethlehem to Gaza to the Zaraneeq reserve, the Holy Family entered Egypt through Al-Farma.
2. Tal Basta
Near Zagazig, the people mistreated them, so the Holy Family left.
3. The Mahmah (Mostorod)
Here the Virgin bathed Christ and washed His clothes at a spring still present today.
4. Belbeis
A resting place with the Virgin Mary Tree. The Holy Family also passed it on their return journey.
5. Samanoud
Welcomed warmly by the people. A granite slab and well remain as relics of the visit.
6. Sakha
Notable for Al-Maghatas Monastery, blessed by Christ’s presence.
7. Wadi El-Natrun
The Holy Family crossed the Rosetta branch of the Nile, blessing the valley now home to ancient monasteries.
8. Matariya
Here, Christ raised a spring of water and the family sheltered under the “Tree of Mary.”
9. Coptic Cairo
The family visited this area briefly; many churches later commemorated their stay.
10. Maadi
Their crossing point to Upper Egypt via the Nile. The original ladder remains preserved.
11. Maghagha (Dir Al-Jarnous)
The Holy Family drank from a well that still exists today.
12. Bahnasa
They passed through the area now called Sandafa near Bani Mazar in Minya.
13. Samalout (Jabal Al-Tair)
The Holy Family settled in a cave on Mount Al-Tair, now within a church.
14. Ashmonin
They crossed the Nile again and blessed this town and its people.
15. Dayrout
Part of Assiut Governorate, one of the stops in their journey southward.
16. Qusqam (Al-Qusiya)
The people drove the Holy Family away. Today it is the site of the Muharraq Monastery.
17. Mir
The people received them kindly, and Christ blessed them in return.
18. Muharraq Monastery
They stayed 6 months and 10 days. The cave is considered the first church in history.
19. Drunka Mount
The last stop where the angel instructed St. Joseph to return to Palestine.
20. Return to Palestine
The Holy Family journeyed back through Egypt, Sinai, and settled in Nazareth.
