The church of the White Monastery (Deir-el-Abiad) near Sohag, in Upper Egypt, is established in 440.
An archetype of Coptic architecture, the basilica (still standing), features a longitudinal nave and flanking side aisles, with an elaborate triconch apse built to a trefoil, or clover-shaped plan.
Its massive outer wall imitates the exterior of ancient Egyptian temples.