Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)
Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)
Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)
4.5
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This church, originally built in the ancient fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo around 4th century AD, derives its name from its location suspended above two Roman gate towers.
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- Jeff KPittsburgh, Pennsylvania2,019 contributionsImpressive ChurchWe stopped here on a recent tour of Cairo. The church is very impressive and has a lot of historical importance for Coptic Christians. If you visit you should also consider stopping at the nearby Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. It’s also worth seeing.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 9, 2023
- AstrobeemerVancouver, Canada649 contributionsOne of the oldest churches in EgyptOne of the oldest churches in Egypt which dates back to the 3 rd century . The Saint Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church is known as the Hanging Church because it is built over the gatehouse of the Babylon fortress . It might seem small an unassuming but it is a very important and historic church.Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten May 29, 2023
- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,452 contributionsOne of the Christian Churches in Coptic CairoIt is a small Christian Church located at the Coptic Cairo. At the center of this church is a red banner with the picture of Mary. Behind it is an altar with the Holy Eucharist. There was line going to the Crypt, did not visit this part due to time constraints.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 21, 2023
- RazorfishLittle Rock, Arkansas3,866 contributionsVery interesting church in CairoMy wife and I visited this church during our tour of Cairo this past December. It was raining that day, which was one of the few days each year that it rains in Cairo. The legend of the church is that Joseph and Mary lived in a cave in what is now the lower part of the church while they were hiding out in Egypt. It was very interesting to visit this church.Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten November 10, 2023
- Vicky SilveAbbadia Lariana, Italy697 contributionsThe Coptic side of CairoEgypt is not only a Muslim country. There's also a well-nourished Coptic community, and this interesting church, named "Hanging" after its location above a gatehouse of the Roman fortress known as "Babylon Fortress", is one of their most important worship places. A legend tells that Joseph and Mary, with Baby Jesus, hid there when they escaped from Palestine.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 7, 2023
- Daisy ZCorona, California145 contributionsThe Oldest church in Egypt so definitely worth itNot exactly "hanging" for me because it was actually built on a top of an old Babylonian fortress. But considering this is the oldest church in Egypt today its totally worth a visit. They kept some very old books inside and you could practically smell the whole collection. Do keep in mind that this place was quite difficult to find so I think its better to join a tour.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten January 5, 2024
- Ivan KinsmamKielce, Poland824 contributionsA beautiful small Coptic chuch in the middle of CairoA beautiful small coptic church that sits about 6 m above the ground. The Coptics represent about 15% of the population and are more in the south where their religious practices are stricter. The church has some exquisite relics and the pews are original, with carved fishes and grape bunches. Very close to the Christian cemetry and Jewish synagogue. A real gem.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 24, 2024
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Ukienomad
Fleming Island, FL6,361 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Located in Coptic Old Cairo, Hanging Church, named because it was built above a Roman fortress, and it’s nave is suspended over a passageway. The Churchof St. Sergiusis where, according to the Bible, Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus stayed three months after their escape to Egypt from King Herod’s wrath. You go downstairs to the basement where you’ll see where they stayed. The church is beautiful and very different than a lot of others in Egypt. I highly recommend it. It’s not a huge church but plenty to see and you can use your camera without paying (which seems to be the common thing here in Egypt). Just a way to make more money I guess. But do come here and take a look at this magnificent church.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,665 contributions
Jan 2020
The Hanging Church is a Coptic Christian Church located in Coptic Cairo. The Church is named for the way it was built on top of the Water Gate of Roman Babylon (visible through the floor in the Baptistery). Our group waited for Mass to end before entering. The interior of the church is stunning! The iconostasis is made of ebony with ivory-inlaid screens with intricate geometric shapes and crosses. There are over 100 icons and pieces of artwork on display, including the highly revered ‘Coptic Mona Lisa’ from the 8th century that has been attributed to miracles. There is also a collection of saints’ relics that are prayed over. The marble pulpit dates to the 5th century. A church has been at this location since the 3rd century. Through the centuries, the Hanging Church has been rebuilt and restored, most recently in 2011.
Written April 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DEK_29
Brisbane, Australia1,087 contributions
Jan 2020
The famous hanging church dedicated to St Mary is a must see within Coptic Cairo. Our guide informed us that the ceiling was built to resemble the internal timber work of Noah's ark. During our visit, the church was hosting a visit by Coptic Christian school children who were being taught their history. This tuned out to be both interesting to watch and to see how the children listened to all that was said. The children were also interested in the tourists visiting at the same time especially us from Australia. A gem.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kazi Y
Dhaka City, Bangladesh131 contributions
Feb 2020
Hanging Church of Cairo also known as Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church builted in 690 AD. It’s also Egypt’s most famous Basilica style churches. The church was originally built over the Roman gate towers and was substantially rebuilt during the 9th century. Very nicely decorated inside. The Hanging Church has 110 icons, the oldest of which dates back to the 8th century,Some of the most prominent icons feature Jesus; the Virgin Mary; Archangel Gabriel; Archangel Michael; St. Peter; St. Paul and St. John the Baptist. In addition to these icons, one can also see several that feature various types of Coptic Crosses.
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Severn
World2,204 contributions
Dec 2020
An ancient Coptic church built on the bastion and the Water Gate of a Roman fort. The building in its current form has been known approximately since the 7th century, the history dates back to the 4th century. It was rebuilt several times, recently restoration was carried out. Inside there is a carved wood and ivory iconostasis, a marble pulpit, old icons. Nice, quiet, peaceful.
Древняя коптская церковь, построенная на бастионе и Водных воротах римского форта. Здание в нынешнем виде известно ориентировочно с 7 века, история восходит к 4 веку. Неоднократно перестраивалась, недавно была проведена реставрация. Внутри находится резной иконостас из дерева и слоновой кости, мраморная кафедра, старые иконы. Красиво, тихо, умиротворенно.
Древняя коптская церковь, построенная на бастионе и Водных воротах римского форта. Здание в нынешнем виде известно ориентировочно с 7 века, история восходит к 4 веку. Неоднократно перестраивалась, недавно была проведена реставрация. Внутри находится резной иконостас из дерева и слоновой кости, мраморная кафедра, старые иконы. Красиво, тихо, умиротворенно.
Written December 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kadu Carrasco
Sao Paulo, SP627 contributions
Nov 2020
We visited the church during mass. It was interesting. When we entered, the priest spoke to the congregation. There was too much incense of a very good smell. All women wore a veil.
We stayed there for a few minutes, even without understanding the language. As soon as we were leaving, a chorus singing began. It's worth visiting. And I believe that we were lucky to visit it at this time specifically. The church itself is small and there is not much to be seen.
We stayed there for a few minutes, even without understanding the language. As soon as we were leaving, a chorus singing began. It's worth visiting. And I believe that we were lucky to visit it at this time specifically. The church itself is small and there is not much to be seen.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea
162 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
This church was really neat to see. When you walk in there is a section in the ground showing you how high up the church was built to get its name. There were also a ton of beautiful decor on the doors, using ebony and ivory. The church was free to get into.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goodguyjas
London, UK1,202 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Fascinating small church that is part of a series of religious sites that are dotted over this area. Mainly mosques but here you have in an area that has a church and a synagogue. The closed off street is welcome peace from the beeping horns of cars too. This little church is quite a treasure and the dark wood and the exposed period brick look beautiful. The perspex floor slots allow you to see the church without its foundations and also remains of original supports. The courtyard with the wall paintings and shrubs make for a picturesque entrance leading up to the grand staircase. Obviously when busy it gets a bit cramped visiting but still very worthwhile while to make the effort.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ogerkan
New York City, NY4,742 contributions
Sep 2021
The Hanging Church is build over two gate towers from a Roman fortress. It is more straddling than hanging actually. Once inside, very reminiscent of Byzantine orthodox churches elsewhere with the dark interior, woodwork and icons. Highlight of any itinerary of Cairo.
Written November 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivan Kinsmam
Kielce, Poland824 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
A beautiful small coptic church that sits about 6 m above the ground. The Coptics represent about 15% of the population and are more in the south where their religious practices are stricter.
The church has some exquisite relics and the pews are original, with carved fishes and grape bunches. Very close to the Christian cemetry and Jewish synagogue. A real gem.
The church has some exquisite relics and the pews are original, with carved fishes and grape bunches. Very close to the Christian cemetry and Jewish synagogue. A real gem.
Written February 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan D
Port Kennedy, Australia7 contributions
Good Morning everyone, does anybody know the daily opening hours of the Coptic churches?
Many thanks
63Queenie
Lake Macquarie, Australia14 contributions
Hi
Opening hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm daily. Mass is held on Wednesdays Fridays 8am to 11am. Sunday 9am to 11am. We took a privare tour of all the hanging churches. It was truly a wonderful experience because our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Hope this helps.
Tanzontoast72
Auckland Central, New Zealand
Is it free entrance here??
fiona s
7 contributions
I don’t think there is an entrance fee, but donations are very welcome
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)
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