Coptic monument · Cairo
Mary's Tree
Where tradition says the Holy Family rested in Egypt
- City
- Cairo
- Type
- Coptic monument
- Era
- Holy Family tradition, 1st century AD; present tree centuries old
Overview
Mary's Tree (Shajarat Maryam) is a venerated sycamore fig in the Matariya district of northeastern Cairo, close to the site of ancient Heliopolis. According to Coptic tradition, the Holy Family (Mary, the infant Jesus, and Joseph) rested in the shade of a tree here during their flight into Egypt. The place has drawn pilgrims and visitors for centuries, and it is one stop on the wider network of sites known as the Holy Family's route through Egypt.
The tree standing today is not the original, which tradition places in the first century. Sycamore figs are long-lived but not immortal, and the present tree is understood to be centuries old, a successor to earlier trees that stood on the spot. Over time the site has been enclosed within a garden, and a nearby church dedicated to the Virgin Mary reflects the continuity of local devotion. Christians and Muslims alike have long respected the place, since Mary is honored in both faiths.
Matariya lies on the ancient city of Iunu, the Heliopolis of the Greeks, a major religious centre of pharaonic Egypt. The Middle Kingdom obelisk of Senusret I still stands in the nearby Al-Masalla area, linking several layers of Egyptian history in a single neighborhood. A visit here is usually quiet and reflective, best suited to those interested in Coptic heritage, pilgrimage traditions, and the story of Egypt's sacred geography.
What to see
- 01The venerated sycamore fig, the focal point of the visit and of the local Holy Family tradition
- 02The enclosed garden setting that protects the tree and offers a quiet place for reflection
- 03The nearby church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a living place of Coptic worship
- 04The Obelisk of Senusret I close by, a surviving monument of ancient Heliopolis
Visitor tips
- Confirm opening times locally or through a trusted source before you go, as access can change around religious occasions.
- Dress modestly and keep your voice low; this is a place of worship and pilgrimage for many visitors.
- Combine your visit with the Obelisk of Senusret I and other Holy Family sites in Cairo, and allow extra travel time for Matariya's traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mary's Tree located?
It is in the Matariya district of northeastern Cairo, near the site of ancient Heliopolis and not far from the Obelisk of Senusret I.
Is the tree the original one the Holy Family rested under?
No. Tradition places the event in the first century, and the present sycamore is understood to be centuries old, a successor to earlier trees at the same spot.
Why is Mary's Tree important?
According to Coptic tradition, the Holy Family rested here during their flight into Egypt. The site is therefore a place of pilgrimage and a stop on the Holy Family's route.
