Egypt is regarded as the place where Christina monasticism began. St. Anthony from Upper Egypt is credited with being the first Christian monk, retreating into the desert some time in the latter part of the third century AD. Wadi Natrun is not quite that old, but there has been a monastic presence here since the fourth century. A visit today remains an expedition back in time to the roots of the Christian faith.

Wadi Natrun was known to the ancient Egyptians as a source of natron, a form of sodium carbonate deposit used in the mummification process. After the advent of Christianity, the wadi attracted large numbers of Coptic followers of St. Anthony, who sought not only an ascetic existence but also an escape from Roman persecution.

Most frequently visited of the four monasteries is the Monastery of St. Bishoi, the official residence of the Coptic Patriarch, Pope Shenouda. St. Bishoi was a fifth-century hermit who performed the act of kindness of washing the feet of a stranger, who subsequently revealed himself to be Jesus Christ.