Copts who form the majority of Egyptian Christians are followers of the Coptic Orthodox Church and considered to be part of the descendants of Ancient Egyptians and one of the first peoples to convert to Christianity. In fact, the word "Copt" derives from the Arabic word "Qibt" - or "Gibt" - which derives from the Greek word "Egyptos" meaning "Egypt." The Ancient Egyptian root of the word was "Hikaptah" (Ha-Ka-Ptah), the name Memphis was known by in 3100 BC at the time when it was the first capital of Ancient Egypt.

The Coptic Church traces its spiritual history back to St. Mark, the traditional author of the Gospel of Mark, and considers him to be the founding father of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The history of the Coptic Church is tied to the history of Christian monasticism. The ancient tradition of monasticism continues to be practiced in Egypt and offers a great opportunity to visit Coptic monasteries, such as the monastery of St Simeon in Aswan, St Anthony and St Paul Monasteries in the Red Sea mountains, and Deir Al-Kashef Monastery, an early Coptic monastery in the Western Desert. Some of Egypt’s churches also rank among the oldest Christian landmarks in the world, such as the church of the virgin in Asyut and the Coptic Cathedral of St. Mark in Alexandria.
Several churches and monasteries also mark the Holy Family Journey trail as described in the Bible. Take an angle's advice and "Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt."
Coptic Egypt Highlights

Highlights - Coptic Egypt - Coptic Museums

Other Themes

  • Spa & Wellness

    Spa & Wellness

    Find the ideal balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Browse through some of the best of Egypt’s…

  • Nature Exploration

    Nature Exploration

    Dominated by a harsh, unforgiving but beautiful desert and divided by the world’s longest river,…

  • Jewish Egypt

    Jewish Egypt

    Greatly preserved Jewish landmarks attest to the Judaic heritage of Egyptin Cairo and Alexandria.

  • Nile Cruise

    Nile Cruise

    Virtual Tour

    Sailing the Nile along the lush Nile Valley surrounded by golden dunes and sightseeing Ancient…

  • Fun & Leisure

    Fun & Leisure

    Your holiday in Egypt doesn’t have to be all about sightseeing, diving or lazing out on the beautiful…

  • Modern Egypt

    Modern Egypt

    Egypt today is a product of its long history, conservative traditions and modern trends.

  • Ancient Egypt

    Ancient Egypt

    Ancient Egypt grips the imagination, touches the soul and inspires the uninspired. Travel to Egypt…

  • Water Activities

    Water Activities

    Find the biggest of Egypt’s sandy beaches, secluded spots and gorgeous coral reefs- all serve…

  • Desert and Oases

    Desert and Oases

    Go for an Egyptian desert safari to see the miles of dunes, canyons and uncanny rocky formations.

  • Islamic Egypt

    Islamic Egypt

    Virtual Tour

    Islamic dynasties such as the Fatimids, Mamluks and Ottomans left their unique mark on citadels,…