Coptic Cairo: A Journey Through Time

Table of Contents: Coptic Cairo

1. Introduction
2. The History of
3. The Hanging Church: A Marvel of Architecture
4. The Coptic Museum: A Treasure Trove of Artifacts
5. St. Sergius and Bacchus Church: A Refuge of the Holy Family
6. The Ben Ezra Synagogue: A Symbol of Interfaith Harmony
7. The Monastery of St. George: A Fortress of Faith
8. The Church of St. Barbara: A Testament to Martyrdom
9. The Greek Church of St. George: A Blend of Cultures
10. Modern-Day Coptic Cairo: Preserving a Rich Heritage
11. The Significance of Coptic Cairo in Christian Pilgrimage
12. Conclusion
13. FAQs

Introduction: Coptic Cairo

visiting Fu stat one of the oldest districts of Cairo.  Indeed, Fustat was the first Arab capital of Egypt, founded in 641 by General Amr ibn alias.  We are currently in a popular neighbourhood never really visited by tourists, but which has several historic churches.   Thanks to the kindness of the Coptic community,   we were able to visit these thousand years old churches including the church of Abakir and John two Saints martyrs who died during the persecution of the Diocletian in the 3rd century. 

1. The History of Coptic Cairo

The church of the Holy Virgin in Babylon  El-Darag or Babylon of the Steppe is a Coptic Orthodox church in Coptic Cairo, built in the 11th century. A sign of its antiquity, this church is located well below the current level of the street. According to tradition, the Holy family stopped here in Egypt.

2. The Hanging Church: A Marvel of Architecture

Known in Arabic as Al Kanisa al Mou’allaqa, the hanging church is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary. As if suspended above the world, it is reached by a staircase of 29 steps.   It is one of the oldest churches in Egypt, since its history dates back to the 3rd century. If the current building dates from the 7th century, it would have been in the 3rd or the 4th century the church of the soldiers of the bastion. 

3. The Coptic Museum: A Treasure Trove of Artifacts

We are now heading towards the Coptic Museum of Cairo.   Much less known than the famous Egyptian museum, this institution was founded in 1910 and reopened in 2005. It houses the most important collection of Coptic art in the world.   There are nearly 16,000 objects, fabric, icons and manuscripts produced between the 4th and the 20th centuries.  

4. St. Sergius and Bacchus Church: A Refuge of the Holy Family

Born in Tyr, Saint Theodore is said to have died during the persecution under Diocletian. Besides some interesting icons, you can still see some of the original columns of the church. Having visited half a dozen churches in this popular neighbourhood, whose streets are unpaved we continue our day by heading to the heart of what all tourists know as Coptic Cairo.  

5. The Ben Ezra Synagogue: A Symbol of Interfaith Harmony

The Ben Ezra Synagogue, located in the heart of Coptic Cairo, is a testament to the area’s historical religious diversity. Originally a Coptic church, it was sold to the Jewish community in the 9th century. The synagogue is renowned for its beautiful architecture and as the discovery site of the Cairo Geniza, a treasure trove of Jewish manuscripts. It stands as a symbol of the coexistence and mutual respect that characterized the area’s history.

6. The Monastery of St. George: A Fortress of Faith

Most of them are very old and are located below the level of the current street. It is the case in The Convent of Saint George dates back to at least the 15th century, as the Arab chronicler El-Maurizio mentions it. A famous tourist destination, Old Cairo has many stores of all kinds. 

7. The Church of St. Barbara: A Testament to Martyrdom

Many of the frescoes you see here were found in monasteries of the Egyptian desert. They remind us that Christianity has been present in Egypt for nearly two millennia.    The Copts are the most important Christian community in the Middle East, with nearly 10 million followers,   which is almost 10 % of the Egyptian population. 

8. The Greek Church of St. George: A Blend of Cultures

The church of Saint Barbara was built on the site of the first sanctuary dedicated to Saint Cyr and Saint John. It is dedicated to a Christian woman killed by her father in the 3rd century because she wanted to convert to Christianity. One of the most beautiful churches in Egypt, it houses a splendid iconoclasts of the 13th century.

9. Modern-Day Coptic Cairo: Preserving a Rich Heritage

Today, Coptic Cairo continues to be a vibrant centre of Coptic Christian life. The area is home to active churches, monasteries, and religious institutions that preserve the rich traditions and practices of the Coptic community. Efforts to restore and maintain the historical sites ensure that Coptic Cairo remains a living museum, where ancient history and modern faith intersect. Visitors can experience the deep spirituality and cultural wealth that define this unique district.

10. The Significance of Coptic Cairo in Christian Pilgrimage

Coptic Cairo holds immense significance for Christian pilgrims from around the world. The area’s historical churches and religious sites are closely associated with the early Christian church and the Holy Family’s journey. Pilgrims visit to walk in the footsteps of saints, martyrs, and the Holy Family, seeking spiritual enrichment and a deeper connection to their faith. Coptic Cairo’s role in Christian pilgrimage underscores its global religious importance.

Conclusion: Coptic Cairo

Is it the church? The church of El-Adra, that is to say of the Virgin, is never mentioned in the tourist guides.   it is also known as Kasriyat Ar-Rayan by the Coptic people. Located outside the walls of ancient Babylon, the monastery of Saint Mercurous has three churches. The main church is dedicated to the same Holy Martyr and Roman legend, known in Arabic as Abu Seifein.

FAQs: Coptic Cairo

1. What is Coptic Cairo?

• Coptic Cairo is a historic area in Old Cairo, Egypt, known for its significant Coptic Christian landmarks and heritage sites.

1. Why is it called the Hanging Church?

• The Hanging Church is named for its location above a Roman gatehouse, giving it the appearance of being suspended.

1. What can be found in the Coptic Museum?

• The Coptic Museum houses a vast collection of Coptic artefacts, including manuscripts, textiles, icons, and relics.

1. Why is St. Sergius and Bacchus Church important?

• It is believed to be a refuge for the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt, making it a key pilgrimage site.

1. What is the significance of the Ben Ezra Synagogue?

• The synagogue is renowned for its historical architecture and the discovery of the Cairo Geniza, a collection of Jewish manuscripts.

1. What traditions are associated with the Monastery of St. George?

• The monastery is known for its annual feast of St. George and its fortress-like structure dedicated to the Christian martyr.

1. How does Coptic Cairo contribute to Christian pilgrimage?

• Coptic Cairo’s historical and religious sites attract pilgrims seeking to connect with early Christian history and the Holy Family’s journey.