Exploring the world’s historical sites and learning about its history occupies the top of my priority list as a passionate traveler. Old Cairo is one of my favorite destinations to explore. This incredible city is a treasure trove of ancient churches that narrates the story of a fascinating past. Old Cairo’s most iconic churches are Mu’allaqah (hanging) church & St. Sergius church. I believe that visiting those churches will leave you in awe.
In this blog, I’ll take you on a journey through Old Cairo and explore the rich history of those incredible churches. I’ll also provide some tips on how to make the most of your time exploring these remarkable sites.
Table of Contents
The Hanging Church and the Abuserga Church
Exploring the Mu’allaqah (hanging) church and the St. Sergius church is an unbeatable experience. These two iconic structures are occupied with fascinating artifacts and artwork which narrate the story of Old Cairo’s history. When you visit Old Cairo, make sure to take the time to explore and appreciate all the incredible artwork in these two churches.
Being dedicated to St. Catherine and Virgin Mary, The Mu’allaqah church and the St. Sergius church are also symbols of the Coptic faith, and are also home to the remains of several Coptic saints, including St. Abanoub and St. Sergius.
Hanging Church
Being a fascinating and historically significant structure The Mu’allaqah (hanging) church is one of the oldest surviving churches, not only in Old Cairo but also in the whole world. Located in the Coptic quarter of the city, The Mu’allaqah (hanging) church is a monument to the Coptic Christian faith.
The Coptic Patriarch Abraham built this incredible church in the 8th century to honor the Virgin Mary. The church is also known as the Hanging Church because it was built over a tower from the Roman fortress (Babylon).
The Mu’allaqah church is composed of two stories, which are connected by a winding staircase. The church is decorated with beautiful and intricate frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible.
The Coptic-style furniture and the bell tower are the most remarkable artifacts among all the fascinating ones hosted by this church.
Historical Significance of the Mu’allaqah church
Being an important part of Old Cairo’s history, this incredible structure has been standing for nearly 1,400 years and has witnessed many historical events. Having been the site of the first Easter celebration in Egypt is an undeniable fact concerning the Mu’allaqah church.
The fact that this church is still standing today after having survived centuries of persecution makes The Mu’allaqah church a testament to the strength and resilience of faith. The Mu’allaqah church is a reminder of the importance of religious freedom a symbol of the Coptic faith.
St. Sergius Church
The St. Sergius (aka Virgin Mary’s) church, built in the 4th century, is another important structure in Old Cairo. This wonderful structure is located in the Coptic quarter of the city and is known as one of the oldest surviving churches in the world.
It is a beautiful and ornate structure. It is adorned with several beautiful frescoes, which –as in the Mu’allaqah church –depict scenes from the Bible. This church hosts several fascinating artifacts, however, the hand-carved wooden iconostasis is the most remarkable in the whole collection.
Historical Significance of the St. Sergius church
The church of Saint Sergius exists in a narrow cobbled lane and lies some three meters below street level. It is dedicated to two Roman officers, Sergius and Bacchus, who were martyred in Syria in 303.
Having been standing for nearly 1,600 years The St. Sergius church is an important part of Old Cairo which has witnessed important historical events. It is believed that it was the site of the first Christian church in Egypt, which hosted the first Coptic baptism. The church of Saint Sergius is regarded as a model of the early churches in which Copts worshiped.
The true importance of this church comes from the fact that it was built over the cave where the Holy Family hid during their Flight into Egypt, and a commemorative mass is celebrated in the church of Saint Sergius on June 1, which the Copts believe to be the day of the Flight.
Exploring the St. Sergius church
Icons –dating to medieval times –on the walls of this church include commemorative occasions such as Christ’s birth, miracles, baptism, and resurrection
Also in the church is an interesting thirteenth-century carving of the Last Supper in which Jesus sits with his disciples at a table, which has a similar shape to an ancient Egyptian offering table.
Exploring the city of Old Cairo is an unforgettable journey. Mu’allaqah (hanging) church & St. Sergius church and other churches narrate the story of its fascinating past.
Old Cairo is a destination that will not disappoint you, either if you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique travel experience.
So if you are looking for an incredible travel experience, I highly recommend you to visit Old Cairo. Browse our website egyxotic.com to explore our carefully crafted trips or start planning your dream vacation today.
