Coptic Since Egypt is a historically and culturally rich nation, Cairo is home to several archaeological sites and priceless antiquities. The Copts, a new Christian sect that emerged in Egypt in the decades after the life of Jesus, also made its influence the world’s history.
After escaping Judea and King Herod, the holy family stayed in Egypt for three years, according to legend. They scattered to other locations during that period for protection. This is because, back then, Egypt was a somewhat risk-free location. This establishment may be found all around Egypt; even ancient churches have been unearthed on some of these sites.
The Masr al-Qadima neighborhood is the oldest in all of Cairo and existed before developing what is now considered “modern Cairo.” In addition to “Old Coptic Cairo,” this area has several other names. It’s possible that this region’s first inhabitants arrived around the sixth century B.C. Once upon a time, the Romans established a settlement they named Babylon, and some of the original Roman walls are still standing.
A few of the most well-known Coptic churches in Cairo are Harat Zuwaila in Old Cairo, Saint George (upper church), Virgin Mary Church, and the church of Saint Mercurius in the Fatimid district. All of these mosques and temples may be found in a region of Cairo known as Fatimid Cairo. Supposedly, the holy family visited this area of Egypt and blessed it while they were there.
Here are some of the top things to do in Old Coptic Cairo:
Egyptian Cairo Museum:
Coptic Christian-era textiles, manuscripts, and icons are preserved in Egypt. In 1908, this now-restored structure was erected to house Coptic Christian artifacts that were in danger of being destroyed. The museum presently houses the world’s most extensive collection of Coptic art. The museum’s two wings are stuffed with Coptic creations, both sacred and secular. Paintings by contemporary Nubian artists are on display on the museum’s upper level. Before the cities of Nubia were inundated by the Aswan High Dam in the 1950s and 1960s, these works were rescued. Paintings, fabrics, metals, and even ivory are just some objects on display for museumgoers. Several fascinating Nag Hammadi manuscripts are displayed on the museum’s upper level.
The Hanging Church:
The “Hanging Church,” also known as El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, or St. Mary, was constructed above the southern tower entrance to the Babylonian stronghold. It is the city’s most prominent and well-known church among Cairo’s Coptic Christians. In addition, it is the first basilica of its kind in Cairo, Egypt. This church structure may not be the first church on this site; there may have been one as early as the third or fourth century. In chapters 831–839) of his life tale, Joseph describes the visit of Egypt’s Governor. All of this occurred many years ago. After being acquired as part of one of the latest restorations, the Coptic Museum had to be emptied of particular historical objects.
Keniset Mar Girgis:
In 684, the Church of St. George was established in that location. The original structure burned down, and in 1857 it was reconstructed. A specific space in the temple designated as the marriage chamber was added in the fourth century A.D, and it was just for weddings that this space was utilized. The Babylon Fortress has a circular church atop the Roman tower, and it burned down in 1904 and was rebuilt the following year in 1909. Since the 15th century, the church has adhered to the tenets of the Greek Orthodox religion.
Mara Monica:
In the sixth century, the first Saint Menas Church was constructed. It was restored in the ninth century with the neighboring churches of Saints Benham and George. In 1164, the domes were constructed. This is the foundation upon which Cairo’s sizable Christian community rests. The compound is home to three different churches. Anba Shenouda’s Church is the biggest in all of Egypt (fifth century A.D.) The governorate of Minya is home to two other churches. She is revered as both the Virgin of Damashir and Abu Seifein. The museum has 175 unique works of Coptic art, including paintings, icons, etchings, and stained glass. These depict events from the Old and New Testaments.
Church Abu Serga:
The Church of St. Sergius was constructed in the fourth century A.D. and is often considered to be Cairo’s oldest church. The church has an important historical place since it was built on the site where the Holy Family rested on their way through Egypt. The Episcopal Church in Cairo selects a significant percentage of Coptic Church patriarchs. A pioneer in this position, Isaac was the first to be hired (681-692). Sergio and Bacchus, two Roman soldiers, are said to have perished in 4th-century Syria. To honor them, a cathedral stood as a symbol of faith and unity.
The interior has a total of twelve columns and three altars. One of the twelve disciples of Jesus is shown in each column. The Fustat fire of c. 750 CE destroyed the tower, which had been constructed in the fifth century. Marwan II was Egypt’s ruler at the time. Its original construction dates back to the eighth century and has undergone regular maintenance and repair work since the Middle Ages.
As said by Keniset Mar Girgis:
In 684, the Church of St. George was established in that location. The original structure burned down, and in 1857 it was reconstructed. A specific space in the temple designated as the marriage chamber was added in the fourth century A.D, and it was just for weddings that this space was utilized. The Babylon Fortress has a circular church atop the Roman tower, which was turned down in 1904 and rebuilt the following year in 1909. Since the 15th century, the church has adhered to the tenets of the Greek Orthodox religion.
Barbara Church:
There is still some debate about the exact year Saint Barbara’s Church was constructed. Damaged by fire in 750 A.D., the structure was reconstructed many centuries later, in the 11th century. It is believed that Saint Barbara’s pagan father was very disappointed in her decision to convert to Christianity. She rejected Christ in front of her father because she was so troubled by the Roman prefect Marcian after she had been entrusted to him. She was slapped until she bled to death, yet her faith in Jesus Christ did not waver while she stood in the bloody pool. Her wounds had miraculously healed during the night she was kept captive, and she had felt as if the gates of heaven had been opened for her.
The Prophet Abu Seifien:
There has been no change to the foundation of St. Mercurius Church. This base may be just beyond Babylon’s fortifications, close to the Amr Mosque. According to Coptic Egyptian folklore, Saint Mercurius is “the Saint with the Two Swords.” According to the legend, an angel appeared to him and handed him a sword to protect himself against the natives.
During the battle against the Persians, he hurried up to Julian the Apostate and slashed him with his sword. His depiction in Coptic art is often that of a mounted warrior brandishing two swords. Dedicated to him in the sixth century, it underwent extensive renovations in the eleventh. The building itself is a tresults of the layering effect: underneath the main sanctuary are the remains of a smaller church, and above them is a larger one. Several tiny chapels, each dedicated to a different saint but now abandoned, may also be seen here.
Church of the Virgin:
The Virgin Church, resembling a basilica, was constructed in the eighth century. This has led some to refer to it as “The Church of Basil,” a reference to the belief that Mary served as the “pot” in which Jesus Christ was first planted. The altar screen is stunning with the ivory inlays.
