Situated 60km south of Ain Sokhna. Right now there is not too much to see in Zafarana, most people use it as a rest and pit stop on their way to the monasteries of St. Paul’s and St. Anthony’s.

The monasteries are considered the oldest in Christendom, only about 35km apart in a straight line, the distance stretches to about 82km as the road weaves through the mountains of Gebel Al-Galala Al-Qibliya.

Although St. Paul is widely believed to be the first Christian hermit, St. Anthony takes the credit for founding monasticism. The Church of St. Anthony’s was built over his tomb. The walls of the Chapel are adorned with the finest examples of Coptic frescoes in Egypt, some people say the murals can rival those done by Fra Angelico in Rome. Following the example set by St. Paul 16 centuries ago, 60monks still live in the monastery.

The church of St. Paul built in and around the cave where St. Paul lived in the 4th century is full of altars, candle holders made out of ostrich eggs (symbol of resurrection) and frescoes just as beautiful as the ones in St. Anthony’s church. As a religious and historical destination, the site is worth the detour.