CAIRO: A project to revive the Holy Family Path, including the restoration of Coptic monasteries and archaeological sites, is one of the most talked about initiatives in Egypt.
In an interview with Arab News, Coptic researcher Robert Al-Fares said: “When discussing the most important cultural and tourism projects in Egypt, coinciding with the launch of the New Republic initiative by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, we must proudly mention the project to revive the Holy Family Path.”
He said the project aimed to promote religious tourism and reiterate Egypt’s message of peace and tolerance to ensure it remains a meeting place for all civilizations and religions.
The Holy Family Path project traces the journey through Egypt of the Virgin Mary, her son Jesus Christ and Joseph the Carpenter.
FASTFACTS
• Scheme will reiterate country’s message of peace, tolerance, expert says.
• Project will include major road construction, improvement works.
Al-Fares said the path held historical and religious significance for people around the world and as a result distinguished Egypt from other nations. This distinction has allowed the Egyptian Coptic Church to hold a unique position among Christian churches.
A key point along the Holy Family Path is Wadi El-Natrun in the Buhaira governorate. Various state institutions are collaborating to develop the path in Wadi El-Natrun, including restoring archaeological sites and Coptic monasteries (notably the Anba Bishoy Monastery) and enhancing the roads leading to these sites.
Also, the Al-Hamra Spring area, which is located close to the route, will be used for environmental, therapeutic and spiritual tourism purposes.
Nihal Balbaa, deputy governor of Buhaira, told Arab News that the road development works would cost 44 million Egyptian pounds ($1.4 million).
The infrastructure project would include landscaping works and the improvement of lighting systems along the roads.
