Deir Abu Hennes or St John's Monastery is one of the popular tourist attractions at Gabal El Teir Area. It is one of the ancient monasteries in the area since it dates back to the Roman Period at the reign of Empress Helena; the mother of Constantine (328 AD). This Coptic Orthodox monastery has a great religious value for Christians since it was the cave where Virgin Mary and Jesus stayed at in the seventh day of their journey from Egypt to Palestine. Of special interest in this monastery are the remains of some Coptic inscriptions and the magnificent niches over the walls with brightly colored icons in its center.
