The Fayoum region, often called an Oasis but really not so strictly, considering its water is derived directly from the Nile River, was once a major destination that has come in and out of fashion over the years. The Fayoum remains today a microcosm of archaic Egypt, with temples and pyramids, together with representative monuments from both the Christian and early Islamic periods. Settled many Greeks in late antiquity, the Fayoum became a major holdout during the Christian period and there are a number of important monasteries in the region, including the 7th century Monastery of the Archangle Gabriel and the Monastery of St. Samuel. Another is the Monastery of the Holy Virgin, sometimes called the Monastery of Anba Ishaq (Father Isaac, Deir Abu Ishaq), the Monastery of the Dove, or Deir al-Hamam (Hammam)

This monastery is thought to date as far back as the third century. Coptic traditions holds that it was founded by Saint Issac of Tiphre, one of the disciples of Saint Anthony (known for a monastery dedicated to him in the Eastern Desert), who is known as the father of monasticism. Father Isaac is not one of the better known hermits, despite the fact that evidence suggests he actively spread the idea of Antonian monasticism. Surviving documentation evidences that he was a native of a village near Memphis who, after having a vision, submitted his life to piety and prayer in the desert.

The monastery has a newly tiled courtyard lined with benches from which the Church of the Holy Virgin is approached. In the inner court, Abuna Zosimus Anba Bishai built a model of Golgotha (Calvary) and the Via Dolorosa (the route to Calvary, sometimes known as the "Way of the Cross"). The oldest part of this Church of the Holy Virgin is its walls, where were probably a part of the original construction, and within its floor is situated a few meters below the present courtyard. There is a naos consisting of a nave, covered by two of the three copulas (domes) which are supported by pillars and columns, and two side aisles. A khurus, or choir separates the naos from the sanctuaries, of which there are three. The central sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, while those to its south and north are dedicated to Saint George and Saint Bishoy, respectively. The ancient baptismal font is situated to the north of the center sanctuary.

There is also a small chapel dedicated to the monastery's founder, Saint Isaac, which is small and has only one sanctuary. In 1985, this monastery was placed under the direct authority of Pope Shenuda III, and in May 1987, major renovations of the church and monastery were begun.