Religions Complex in Old Cairo: Where the Three Monotheistic Religions Meet

The Religions Complex in Old Cairo is one of the most important and prominent archaeological areas in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. It attracts numerous tourists from around the world, who come to witness its historic and religious sites that take you on a journey through past eras. Its walls and structures stand as silent witnesses to great periods in Egyptian history.

The Religions Complex is located in Old Cairo near the ancient Babylon Fortress. It includes the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As, the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and several other churches, such as the Church and Cave of St. George, the Church of the Virgin Mary with the Sacred Cave and Holy Well, the Convent of the Nuns, and the Church of St. Barbara.

Babylon Fortress

The Babylon Fortress is what remains of the Roman city of Trajan, built by the Roman Emperor Trajan in 80 AD. The fortress was constructed using stones taken from ancient Pharaonic temples. Between the fortress’s two towers is a gate known as “Bab Amr,” believed to be the gate through which Amr Ibn Al-As entered when he conquered the fortress and entered Egypt. The Roman fortress is also known as the “Palace of Wax” or “Babylon Castle.”

Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As

This mosque is one of the first ever built in Egypt and all of Africa, and it remains one of Egypt’s most famous mosques. It draws visitors from across the country due to its spiritual and religious significance. It was founded by the revered companion Amr Ibn Al-As in the year 21 AH (641 AD), following his conquest of Egypt in 20 AH (640 AD) under the command of the Caliph of the Muslims, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab.

Aqueduct Wall (Sabil of Magra El-Oyoun)

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It is one of the most important landmarks of Islamic Cairo. Built by Sultan Al-Ghuri nearly 800 years ago, its purpose was to supply the Citadel of Salah al-Din with water by raising Nile water using waterwheels (saaqiyas) into an aqueduct system along the wall, allowing water to flow up to the citadel. This was essential because the citadel served as the seat of government in Egypt since the Ayyubid era.

The Coptic Museum

The Coptic Museum is located within the walls of the famous Babylon Fortress in Old Cairo, one of the most prominent and massive remaining monuments of the Roman Empire in Egypt. The museum was founded in 1908 through the efforts of Marcus Simaika Pasha, a prominent Christian figure dedicated to preserving Coptic heritage. It was officially opened in 1910. The total area of the museum, including the garden and the fortress, is about 8,000 square meters. It underwent renovations and upgrades, including its old and new wings, along with the Hanging Church, and was reopened in 1998.

The Coptic Museum houses the largest collection of Coptic artifacts in the world. These artifacts reflect the history of Coptic Christianity from its early beginnings in Egypt, during its rise as a major center of Christianity worldwide. The displayed pieces illustrate the fusion between Coptic art and the prevailing cultures, including Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, all of which evolved to form a unique Coptic identity and style. The museum also features a remarkable collection of illuminated manuscripts, icons, intricately carved wooden works, and exquisite religious-themed frescoes from ancient monasteries and churches.

The Hanging Church

The “Hanging Church” is one of the most famous and oldest Coptic monuments in Egypt. It is renowned for its rare architectural design, making it one of the most beautiful churches in the Middle East. It also served as the first seat of the Coptic Patriarchate in Cairo.

The church is named the "Hanging Church" because it was constructed above two towers of the ancient Roman fortress known as the Babylon Fortress, which was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD. The church was built 13 meters above ground level and covers an area of 23 meters in length, 18.5 meters in width, and 9.5 meters in height. Its construction dates back to the late 4th and early 5th centuries AD.

The church has a rectangular shape and features a basilica-style layout with three aisles and a sanctuary divided into three sections: the main nave and two side aisles, with eight columns on each side of the church.

The church contains three sanctuaries (altars) on its eastern side: the right sanctuary is named after Saint John the Baptist, the left one after Saint George, and the central sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church also features a number of column capitals decorated in the Corinthian style, a classical Greek architectural order known for its ornate design.

The Hanging Church served as the first papal seat in Cairo, and many major Christian religious celebrations were held there. One of its most distinctive features is the collection of 90 icons adorning its walls.

The first major restoration of the Hanging Church took place in 1998, which included treating the damage caused by rising groundwater levels, as well as the restoration of its icons and wall paintings.

Church of the Monastery of Abu Seifein

Located to the north of the Babylon Fortress, the original church was demolished in the 8th century AD, with only a small church remaining, dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and James. During the reign of the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, the church was renovated, but it was later burned down in 1868.

Church of Saint Barbara

Dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries AD, this church is situated within the Monastery of Saint George. It is dedicated to Saint Barbara, who, according to tradition, was killed by her own father after she converted to Christianity.

Church of Saint George

This church is located within the Roman Fortress of Babylon, near the Mar Girgis Metro Station. It was once considered one of the most beautiful churches of the fortress. According to some sources, it was built by a wealthy scribe named Athanasius around 684 AD. Today, only a reception hall remains from the original church, known as the “Bridegroom’s Hall”, which dates back to the 14th century.

Church of Qasriet Al-Rihan

Located in the Zuqaq Bani Hasin alley in Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, this church is also known historically as the Church of the Virgin Mary. The church measures approximately 16 meters in length, 14 meters in width, and 10 meters in height. Its central nave and sanctuaries are topped with brick domes supported by magnificent marble columns.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

Located at the end of the Coptic Churches area in Old Cairo (Fustat), the Ben Ezra Synagogue was originally a church called "Church of the Deacons", which was sold by the Orthodox Church to the Jewish community during a financial crisis caused by heavy taxation at the time. The synagogue was later named after Ezra the Scribe, one of the most revered Jewish scholars.

Sources:
• Official website of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
• Cairo Governorate official website