The Red Monastery is located 21 kilometers west of Sohag province. It is considered one of the most important monasteries established during Christianity’s early history. Because of the red bricks that make up most of its masonry, it is known as the “Red” Monastery. White limestone was used in the building’s construction as well as several pink and black granite columns. The monastery was founded by Saint Bishoy at the beginning of the fourth century AD but suffered two fires, the first was during the Roman Period, and the second was as a result of Berber attacks. All that remains of the Red Monastery is its church and surrounding fortification walls to the south. Remains of a structure north of the church also survived and are thought to belong to an industrial area.
