Daqadus comes from the Coptic ‘ti Theotokos’, which means ‘the mother of God’. Local Christians believe that Daqadus is a place where the Holy Family was well received. For that reason, Daqadus became a blessed site throughout the ages.

In Daqadus you see the Church of the Holy Virgin dating back to 1888, which stands on the same spot of an old church dating back to 1239. That church, unfortunately, disappeared during a flood at the beginning of the 19th century. The church believes this mediaeval church stood on the spot of a fourth century church founded by Empress Helena (ca. 250 – 330).

Inside the modern church compound you see an ancient well that was blessed by the Holy Family when they stopped at Daqadus. The church also has a uniquely beautiful library with medieval manuscripts.

Photo: Norbert Schiller, the well in the compound of the Church of the Holy Virgin at Daqadus, that is said to have been blessed by the Holy Family.

Photo: Norbert Schiller, the Church of the Holy Virgin at Daqadus looks onto the green fields on the outskirts of town.

Photo: Norbert Schiller, crosses on the domes above the church at Daqadus.