Coptic Cairo

Built in the 9th century on high elevation for the church to ‘hang’ high upon the walls of Babylon, the Church of Virgin St. Mary is one of the oldest Christian religious sites in Egypt. Although the elevation that gave this church its ‘hanging’ nickname is gone due to change in ground level, the church is beautifully designed with the ornate interior decorated with bones and ivory inlaid designs.

Formally known in Coptic as "The Church of Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in The Cave" and popularly referred to as "Abu Serga," this church is one of the oldest in Egypt. The church was built upon an ancient Roman fort in Old Cairo, it holds a special religious status among global churches because it is associated with the Holy Family's journey through Egypt. The church is characterized by its unique architectural and artistic elements that reflect the spirit of Coptic church architecture in Egypt.

Located beside the remains of the Roman Fort of Babylon, the Coptic Museum offers a unique collection of art and artifacts from the history of Coptic Egypt. The museum catalogues a period of great change in the history of Egypt as Coptic Christianity became the dominant religion in Egypt under Roman rule before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century. The museum is worth a visit to see records of interaction between Coptic Christianity and other religions such as the ancient gods of Egypt, pagan faiths of Romans and Greeks, and interactions with early Islam. As well as the one-of-a-kind collections of Christian artifacts.