The Holy Family's Journey Route

Talbasta (Tell Basta) in Sharqiya Governorate holds significant historical and religious importance as one of the key stops on the Holy Family's journey through Egypt. According to Coptic tradition, when the Holy Family fled from King Herod, they entered Egypt through the northeast and eventually reached Talbasta. Local accounts describe how the Child Jesus asked for water, and when the townspeople were inhospitable, a spring miraculously burst forth from the ground at St. Joseph's touch. It is also believed that upon their entry into a temple in the city, the idols within shattered, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.

Today, Talbasta is part of the "Holy Family Trail," a national project aimed at developing and promoting the 25 sites visited by the Holy Family across 11 Egyptian governorates. Celebrations and development efforts in Talbasta focus on preserving the historical and religious significance of the site, which includes remnants of ancient temples and the legendary well. These initiatives aim to attract religious tourism and highlight the profound connection between Egypt and the biblical narrative, fostering a sense of pride and shared heritage among the local community and pilgrims alike.