Egypt: Peculiar Old Cairo

On our way back from the Pyramids we took the metro to Old Cairo. This was the original Cairo, established by the Romans as a fort. A couple of the towers still remain. Then the Coptic Christians built their church on top of a tower, today known as the Hanging Church. Other branches Christians also set up shops here. There is still a synagogue too.

Subsequent Islamic conquerors expanded to the north. Ironically attacks on the Coptic community by muslim extremists in recent years has led to increased security. The place is once again run like a fort. Even though there is not a complete wall, the place is tightly secured by fences and guards, it can only be accessed through a single gate - as during Roman time?

The Old Cairo Metro Station is Mar Girgis.


The remains of the Roman-built towers and wall, also called the Babylon Fortress.


The Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary (Hanging Church), which sits atop the southern gatehouse of the Roman-built Babylon Fortress, is beautiful.










Sitting on another Roman-built tower is The Church of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. The round exterior is eye-catching; the interior with a few brightly colored modern mosaics is ho hum.








We visited two additional churches; the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (first below), and the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Barbara.




In between those 2 churches is the Ben Ezra Synagogue (closed) and a Coptic Cemetery.