Old Cairo

In colloquial Arabic it is called 'Masr al-Qadima', meaning: Old Cairo; and indeed it is the oldest part of Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo, predating what is now the modern capital. It is believed that there was a settlement in that area as early as the 6th century BC. Later, the Romans built a fortress in the area which we know today as 'Babylon'. Some of Babylon's walls still exist and are clearly seen; yet after the spread of Christianity in Egypt, Old Cairo became a Christian stronghold with as many as twenty churches built within an area of just one square mile.

Now only five of those Churches remain, along with the earliest mosque ever built in Egypt, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-Aas, as well as the Ben Ezra Synagogue which is also the oldest in the country - built after an influx of Jews to Egypt when Jerusalem fell, around 70 AD.

Some of the most famous Churches in Old Cairo are mentioned below ...

The Church of St. Sergius (Locally called: Abu Serga): it is believed to be Cairo's oldest Church, dating from the 4th century AD. It is dedicated to two early martyrs and traditionally believed to have been built in the same spot where the Holy Family - Joseph, Mary and the infant Christ - rested at the end of their journey into Egypt.

It is also believed that the Holy Family may have lived there, while Joseph worked at the Roman Fortress, Babylon, mentioned above.

The Hanging Church (Locally: Al-Muallaqah): this Church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is thus also known as St. Mary's Church – in Arabic: Sitt Mariam. This is Cairo's most well known ancient Church, possibly built in the 7th century on the site of an older 4th century Church, and also the first to be built in the Basilica style. It is built on top of the Roman walls in Old Cairo, and is approached by 29 steps, so early travelers dubbed it 'the Staircase Church'.

The land surface has risen by some 6 meters since the Roman period, so the Roman tower which was built on its original ground is now mostly buried, reducing the visual impact of the church's elevated position.

The entrance from the street is through iron gates under a pointed stone arch. A 19th century façade 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 an 11th century outer porch.

The Church of Saint Barbara (Locally: Sitt Barbara): its exact date of construction is unknown, but it was burnt in the Fustat Fire in 750 AD and restored during the 11th century. It is said that Barbara was a beautiful young lady, the daughter of a wealthy nobleman and merchant called Djoscorus, a pagan who built a magnificent tower to safeguard his daughter; perhaps also from the growing influence of Christianity ... However, during his frequent business trips abroad, Barbara was actually converted to Christianity.

Legend has it that when her father discovered her conversion he went into a fit of rage, and turned her over to Marcian, the Roman Prefect at the time, who, under the father's watching eyes was to torture St. Barbara until she denied Christ. The Roman Prefect had her stripped and struck with whips and clubs until she stood in a pool of her own blood, yet she would not deny Christ. Afterwards, she was thrown into prison where, during the night, God completely healed her wounds and filled her with heavenly joy.

The Church of Saint George: the image of St. George as a Roman soldier mounted on a fine Arabian horse and spearing a dragon is a familiar one in the district of Old Cairo. Throughout the Christian world, St. George is undoubtedly the most popular warrior-saint, and in Coptic Churches of Cairo there are now more than twenty relics of this equestrian saint.

The Church was originally built in 684 and rebuilt in 1857, and is best known for its wedding chamber which dates from the 4th century AD, and was reserved for marriage ceremonies. Now, among the remains of the ancient Church exists a hall that is known as 'the marriage hall', what locals call "Qa'at El Ersaan".

The hall is unique for its vast width and height, but also for its marvelous windows of ivory and ebony inlays, in addition to the outstanding ornate paintings on the ceiling walls.