Asyut governorate is situated in the Upper Egypt along River Nile. Its capital city, Asyut, was an important commercial centre since ancient times when it was known as Lycopolis. The town marks crossroads of ancient desert caravan routs and as recently as 150 years ago Egypt’s largest slave market was located here. Today the town is primarily the agricultural centre of the Upper Egypt, producing cotton and grain. Carpet manufacturing and camel are also important to the local economy. To see the “tourist” side of the town spend a day on Banana Island, which is probably the best place for relaxation, or visit the north of the city to see the 19th century English barrage, which was built to control the Nile. Exploring the city don’t forget to leave some time to visit the town of Durunka, which lies about 6 miles southwest from Asyut. The place is famous as it is believed that that the Holy Family stayed in the city's oldest church, which is built on an ancient quarry in the middle of the cliff. Also nearby is a clearly visible rectangular opening in the cliff face which is generally believed to have been the hermitage of Saint John of Lycopolis.