About 50 km northwest of Asyut, on the edge of the desert near the village of Al-Qusiya, Deir el-Muharraq is one of the most important Coptic monasteries in Egypt. The complex includes the ancient Church of the Virgin Mary — said to be among the oldest Christian churches still in use — and a Byzantine-era keep where monks took refuge from raiders.
The monastery comes alive each June for the moulid celebrating the Holy Family's arrival, when tens of thousands of pilgrims camp in the surrounding fields. Visitors are welcome year-round; modest dress is required, and shoes are removed before entering the church.