Hanging Church in Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary from Cairo

Explore Cairo’s Hanging Church, a Coptic architectural gem. Discover its spiritual significance and exquisite craftsmanship. Perfect for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church - The Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Barbara romanized: Kanīsat Barbāra) is one of the many famous Coptic Orthodox parishes that can be found in the district of Coptic Cairo. The building is located on the eastern part of the Babylon Fortress and is one of the oldest buildings in Cairo, dating back to the 5th or 6th century AD. However, like many other buildings of Coptic architecture, it was rebuilt several times, most notably by the end of the 11th century.

St. Barbara’s Church stands north of the Coptic Museum and is east of the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), on the eastern side of Fort Babylon. It was originally dedicated to Abu Kir and Yohanna (or Ss. Cyrus and John). When the remains of St. Barbara were brought here, a separate sanctuary was built. Thus, there are now two separate churches that were built on this location. Athanasius, a wealthy scribe and a secretary of Abdel-Aziz Ibn Marwan

  • Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary) - The Hanging Church is named for its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo); its nave is suspended over a passage. The church is approached by twenty-nine steps; early travelers to Cairo dubbed it “the Staircase Church”. The land surface has risen by some six metres since the Roman period, so the Roman tower is mostly buried below ground, reducing the visual impact of the church’s elevated position.[citation needed]

The entrance from the street is through iron gates under a pointed stone arch. The nineteenth-century facade with twin bell towers is then seen beyond a narrow courtyard decorated with modern art biblical designs. Up the steps and through the entrance is a further small courtyard leading to the eleventh-century outer porch.

Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church Church of Mother of God Saint Mary in Egyptian Babylon), also known as the Hanging Church , romanized: al-Kanīsa al-Muʿallaqa, Coptic

  • Synagogue Ben Ezra - The Ben Ezra Synagogue ,sometimes referred to as the El-Geniza Synagogue or the Synagogue of the Levantines (al-Shamiyin), is situated in the Fustat part of Old Cairo, Egypt. According to local folklore, it is located on the site where baby Moses was found.

This was the synagogue whose geniza or store room was found in the 19th century to contain a treasure of forgotten, stored-away Hebrew, Aramaic and Judeo-Arabic secular and sacred manuscripts. The collection, known as the Cairo Geniza, was brought to the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England at the instigation of Solomon Schechter. It is now divided between several academic libraries, with the majority being kept at the Cambridge University Library.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Tour guide
  • Bottled water
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
  • Tipping
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Experience the marvel of the Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St. Mary), a testament to the enduring faith of the Coptic community. Nestled in Cairo’s Coptic Quarter, this architectural treasure invites visitors to explore its sacred halls and uncover the profound spiritual meaning behind its design. Admire the intricate craftsmanship and historical importance of this holy site, which remains a place of worship and reflection for both believers and history lovers.

  • Entrance fees -Depending on the Tour Options Chosen
Location
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church
Mari Gerges
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult, 6 Child
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today