The modern monastery is built close to the ruins of Abu Mena, the original pilgrimage site dating from the mid-7th century.

The Christians took this a sign from God and there buried Saint Mina's body after placing it in a silver coffin.

Sick people from all over the world used to visit that city and were healed through the intercessions of Saint Mina, who became known as the Wonders' Maker.

Today, numerous little clay bottles on which the saint's name and picture are engraved are found by archeologists in diverse countries around the Mediterranean world, such as Heidelberg in Germany, Milan in Italy, Dalmatia in Croatia, Marseille in France, Dongola in Sudan, and the holy city of Jerusalem.

The city of Saint Mina was destroyed during the Arab invasion of Egypt in the seventh century (source needed.)

Recent agricultural efforts in the area have led to a significant rise in the water table, which has caused a number of the site's buildings to collapse or become unstable.