El Cairo Copto | El Viejo Cairo

• 16 / 5 / 2023

 Coptic Cairo is located in the center of the vast metropolis of Egypt. As the names go, Coptic Cairo is the district replete with history and antiquities—more so, stories of this country’s prominence in Christianity. The district popularly referred to as Old Cairo is one of the oldest parts of the city and is one of the best illustrations of the great melting pot that is the country’s history. People come here to appreciate the mixtures of obvious architectures of all religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This is to explain more what Coptic Cairo has to offer any tourist who wishes to visit Egypt and not just to see the Pyramids.

A Walk Through History: The Origins of Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo is the memory of the period when the settlement was referred to as Babylon the Great, the Roman Empire's fortress on the Nile River. As early as the 4th century, this region became a great hub for Christianity and scholarship. The transformation of this area into a religious center is attributed to the advancement of Christianity in Egypt which can be dated back to the coming of St. Mark in Alexandria in about 42 AD. Christianity expanded, leading to the construction of many churches within Egypt, with Coptic Cairo being the first.

Copt is a name that is given to the Christians from Egypt who belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, whose doctrine is considered to have been founded by the apostle Mark. Coptic Cairo is a time waiting to be unearthed since it harbors many ancient churches, convents, and other buildings vital for the study of the growth of Christianity in Egypt and the area around it.

1. The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church)

The Hanging Church, which gets its name from the position it sits in, on the upside of the Roman gatehouse of Babylon, is one of the most remarkable and magnificent landmarks in Coptic Cairo. Constructed in the third century, the church is one of the ancient churches in Egypt and is very dear to the Coptic community. The interior design of the church is unique, as it has a wooden ceiling that is crafted like Noah’s Ark, the walls are beautifully detailed, and there is an iconostasis. Visitors are treated to 110 icons depicting biblical scenes and Coptic saints, the oldest of which dates to the 8th century.

2. The Church of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus

Another olden-era church targets modern young and old Christians and lots of tourists, as it is said to have been erected in the cave where the Holy Family hid by the time they were headed to Egypt. The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus has a mystical aura and simple beauty, which makes one feel immersed in the time of early Christians in a very strong way. The crypt where the Holy Family is said to have taken shelter is accessible to visitors, which provides a striking contrast between the ancient stories of Egypt and the Bible.

3. The Ben Ezra Synagogue 

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the most ancient Jewish worship centers in Egypt and is living proof that diverse religious communities may peacefully co-exist in the country. Local tradition maintains that the very synagogue is built on the ground where the Pharaoh`s daughter discovered Moses in the bulrushes. Once a Coptic church, it was turned into one in the 9th century and is an exquisite example of architectural design, comprising carved wooden panels, lovely murals on ceilings, and other historic pieces.

4. The Coptic Museum 

Coptic Museum is a must-visit place if one feels like exploring more on the history of Coptic Christianity. Established in 1910, it boasts the largest collection of artifacts and artwork belonging to Copts in the world, including decorated books, clothes, and Coptic icons. This museum also opens up the world to many imaginations about the lives of early Egyptians—Christians in particular—their arts, as well as Coptic art that evolved in different climates interacting with other cultures.

5. The Monastery and Church of St. George

St. George's Church is an exceptional place, as it is one of the rare surviving round-shaped churches in the Middle East. The Greek Orthodox Church here was believed to have been erected in the 10th century; however, some sources even suggest that the primary edifice was erected in the sixth century. The monastery and church are dedicated to Saint George, who is one of the most revered and cherished saints in Christianity, and they still serve the local Christians as places of worship. Also, every April, there is a feast devoted to Saint George, which welcomes many pilgrims all around the year.

On its own, Coptic Cairo is more than a place of worship; it is a representation of the multilayered legacy of Egypt. The area is a perfect example where different practices, traditions, and beliefs, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, have interacted within a small radius for centuries. A church, a mosque, and a synagogue are often located within close range of each other, which hints at the existence of wonderful stories about these places and the people in them.

Coptic Cairo illustrates well the enduring spirit and flexible nature of the Copts, who have been able to practice their faith and customs even in the face of changes that have rocked Egypt over the years. This is not just a tourist attraction; it is a zone with schools, markets, and even houses, which maintains a character that is dynamic and expanding.

Dress Appropriately: As a lot of the places of interest are of religious significance, it is important that one dress appropriately. This implies that one should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.

Management of Time: Coptic Cairo is an extensive area with lots of things to see, and many of the places close by early evening. Browse around every place for a couple of hours and enjoy the ambiance without the pressure of time in the views.

Photography: One or two of their chapels and the Coptic Museum may not allow the taking of pictures; hence, it is advisable to seek the courtesy of asking before taking any pictures.

Hire a Professional Guide: Every destination has its own story and history, and every traveler ought to understand that, so it’s better to hire professionals. Their service will be needed as they will explain things like the signs, customs, and stories that cannot be seen or heard by ordinary visitors.

Walk Around More: Aside from the prominent landmarks, do visit the small lanes of Coptic Cairo. There are lots of stores, unorganized camps, and restaurants showcasing how the people living there go about their lives.

Embracing Egypt’s Heritage in Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo is an experience that is beyond normal sightseeing. One is whisked away to the early years of Christianity, and this area is also the reflection of the entire Egyptian society. This part of Egypt focuses on faith and spirituality, respect for different populations and cultures, and the historical development of a nation that has been there for hundreds of years.

In this regard, since Coptic Cairo fits into the quest of preserving the Egyptian religious way of life, I must state that this region is very important for anyone forced to rediscover Egypt's religion in its cultural contexts. Their history, great buildings, and any decorative art form within the limits of the zone under consideration combine into a picture that not only helps to know the history of Egypt but also speaks of the history of all peoples in their mutual relations.

Visiting Coptic Cairo is most favorable during autumn and winter, i.e., from October to April, since temperatures are moderately lower. This period sees milder heat levels that allow one to comfortably move around visit the historical sites and even take a stroll around the place. Generally, here is a summary of what to look forward to during these months:

October to November (Fall)
Climate: Warm but pleasant, with the average temperatures being between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (68 and 86 degrees F).
Tourism Levels: There are fewer tourists at this time than during the high season of the winter months; hence, you can wander peacefully. 
Seasons: It is within October that Without Wings, a film featuring Fontain and Avallone will also be released and subsequently in theaters. Embracing Change, a new work about celebrating the Coptic New Year (Nayrouz), which the Coptic Orthodox church observes, will also be available.

Months Not to Visit
Determined to explore Cairo? One piece of advice is to avoid visiting the city from May until September. This is because summer in Cairo can be unbearably hot, with the day temperatures usually exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and the humidity high. This Afri-Asian hybrid is likely to put off many tourists from sightseeing. This is especially true for those who do not tolerate heat well. However, if you visit within these months, you can try to beat the heat if you go in the early hours of the day or late in the evening.

If you consider the warmer weather months of December to February, you will notice the most optimal conditions for visiting and appreciating Coptic Cairo and its treasures.