Religious site

Hanging Church

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Hanging ChurchBerthold Werner · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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The Hanging Church, officially the Church of the Virgin Mary, is one of the oldest Christian sites in Egypt, dating to the 3rd century. Its name comes from its location atop the southern gate of the Roman fortress of Babylon. Inside, the church features a beautiful wooden roof shaped like Noah's Ark, 110 icons, and a marble pulpit supported by 13 pillars. Visitors enter through a courtyard and climb a staircase to the sanctuary, where Coptic services still take place. The church is a serene oasis in the heart of Coptic Cairo.

Don't miss

  • Admire the 110 icons, some dating to the 8th century
  • See the marble pulpit with its 13 pillars representing Christ and the apostles
  • Visit the crypt and the church's museum of Coptic artifacts

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Hanging Church

You can visit Hanging Church on your own. A guide is worth it for the history and detail that is easy to walk past, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.

Getting there

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