Wadi El Natrun

The name Wadi El Natrun means “Valley of Natron”: it is a depression in northern Egypt, 23 m below sea level, with salt lakes rich in natron, which the ancient Egyptians used for mummification. In Christian writings the valley is called Scetis, and its ancient monasteries, such as the Monastery of the Syrians (Deir al-Suryan), are still in use. It remains the most important centre of Coptic monasticism in Egypt.