Old Cairo & The Hanging Church

Your itinerary will have you visiting the following locations within Coptic Cairo, an enclave within Old Cairo.   It is an area steeped in history and provides fascinating insight into the history of change within Egypt.

What You Can Expect From This Experience 

• The places and events that have been integral to Christianity impact all who come on this tour. 
• The experience is a touchstone with history and, in many ways, brings the past alive. 
• The Babylon Fortress, Hanging Church, and others are part of a rich history which weaves the influence of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in its earliest years. It is this history that people engage with and which is a great education for all.
• You will also understand why Egyptians are so proud of their history and heritage

You Will Be Visiting

The Babylon Fortress is an ancient Roman fortress formerly located on the east bank in an area known today as Old Cairo or Coptic Cairo. The fortress was built around 300 AD to protect the entrance to an ancient canal, and was also a toll gate for passing traders.   It is in this once swampy and marsh-like area, that Moses was reputedly rescued from the bullrushes.

Coptic Cairo – The Hanging Church

Coptic Cairo has a concentration of Christian churches that date from the centuries between the decline of the pharaonic religion and the arrival of Islam when Egypt had a Christian majority.

The name ‘Hanging Church’ comes from the fact that it was built atop the walls of the 4th century BC Roman fortress. It is believed in Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church.

Coptic Cairo – Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Cairo and was founded in the 9th century,  allegedly where Moses was found in the reeds. It is also said to be where Mary drew water to wash Jesus. The synagogue’s storeroom was found to contain a treasure of forgotten sacred manuscripts known as the Geniza Collection. The Egyptian Prime Minister reopened the synagogue in 2023 following restorations

The Coptic Museum

The Museum showcases the history of Coptic art from Greco-Roman to Islamic times

This experience can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities.  The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others.   Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.

• Pick up from your hotel and return (approx.)
• Water
• Lunch
• All entrance fees, service charge, current taxes, and vat.
• Services of an English-speaking guide

Exclusions

• Personal expenditure of any kind
• Tips
• Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)