Abu Mena an Egyptian town, a old monastery complex and center of Christian Pilgrimage
in Ancient Egypt is situated about 45 km southwest of Alexandria one of the popular
destination of Egypt.
Abu Mena is one of the oldest Christian sites of Egypt. Most of the public
buildings, monasteries, houses, church, baptistery and workshops in Abu Mena
were built over the tomb of the martyr Menas of Alexandria. This site of Egypt
was placed in the heritage list of UNESCO and is closely located to the site
of new Monastery of St. Mina
City of Abu Mena or the city of St Mena was the greatest Christian Pilgrimage
place in the east during the beginning of the medieval period and was also the
largest Coptic town of Egypt. This extensive site of Abu Mena also known as
"the Vineyard of St Menas" raised many interests. Most of the objects
found during the excavation of the Abu Mena are displayed in the Coptic Museum
located at Cairo.
The site of Abu Mena was first excavated from 1905 to 1907. In this excavation
a large basilica church, an adjacent church that had been considered as the
church that probably housed the remains of saint Mena's remains and Roman baths.
However the recent excavations discovered a large dormitory probably made for
the poor people in Abu Mena.
Among the other historical remains of Abu Mena the most notable was the Thermal
Basilica. Built in 5th century, Thermal Basilica was used to store the curative
water. During 5th and 6th century many buildings were built around Thermal Basilica.
Among the notable one was a 48, 000 square yard monastery that was constructed
to the north side of Basilica.
Built in 5th century in the center of glamorous complex just south of Alexandria
in Karm Abu Mena was Basilica of Arcadius. Supported by 56 fascinating marble
columns, this baptistery is situated in the western end of the Basilica with
corners rounded in semicircular marble niches.
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