The Hanging Church

The Hanging Church is one of the oldest churches in Egypt, dating back to the third century. It is a unique church with a wooden roof in the shape of Noah's Ark. This church was known as ”the Hanging Church“ because it was built on the ruins of the Roman fort in Old Cairo and is located near the Coptic Museum. From the 7th to the 13th centuries, the Hanging Church served as the residence of the Coptic Patriarch. 

The Hanging Church (Coptic Cairo) Overview

The Hanging Church is a unique hanging church built in the 5th century AD, known for its religious importance. It is located above the Castle of Babylon. 

Where Is the Hanging Church? 

The Hanging Church is located in Old Cairo. It is called the Hanging Church because it was built over the southern entrance gate of the Roman Babylonian fortress. Old Cairo, also called Coptic Cairo or Masr al-Qadima in Arabic, is a historic district on the east bank of the Nile River in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

Why Visit the Hanging Church 

The Hanging Church is considered one of the most wonderful churches in Cairo for the following reasons:

1. The church is a wonderful area worth exploring, as it is located in Old Cairo.

2. The church has a unique history.

3. The church is very popular and worth tourists' visit.

4. The church is great for taking photos and represents one of Cairo's many architectural styles.

Visitor Information 

The church is easily accessible on the Mar Girgis Metro. You can arrive in a few steps at the Hanging Church from there.

Opening Hours and Tickets 

Opening hours: 

Many of the sites in Coptic Cairo are open on a daily basis from 9 am to 5 pm.

It is best to check the individual visiting hours for each location, as they may be different.

Tickets: 

Admission to most churches is free, but admission to the Coptic Museum is around 100 Egyptian pounds for adults and 50 Egyptian pounds for students.

Prices are dynamic, so it's best to verify them prior to going.

Dress Code and Etiquette 

Dress Code: 

As with any place of worship, modest dress is a must. Ensure your shoulders and knees are fully covered.

Etiquette: 

Be sure to show respect for religious practice and belief of the Coptic people.

Keep a calm demeanor in churches and don't be a troublemaker.

Photography Rules 

While photography is usually allowed, some churches might have restrictions. In any case, always ask permission first before photographing or videotaping within places of worship.

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History and Significance 

The Hanging Church is an ancient Egyptian site located in Coptic Cairo.

Origins over the Babylon Fortress 

The castle was built around 300 AD by Emperor Diocletian to protect the entrance to the ancient canal, previously rebuilt by Trajan, which connected the Nile River to the Red Sea. It was located on the border between Lower and Middle Egypt, where riverboats paid fees when traveling up or down the Nile River.

This fort is also known as Al-Shami Palace or the Candle Palace, as the fort's towers were decorated with luminous candles at the beginning of each month, allowing people to Track the sun as it passes from one tower to the next. There are actually six Coptic churches, a monastery, and a Coptic museum within the castle walls.

• Babylon, according to historians, was originally the name of the capital of a neighboring country known as Babylon, but another possibility is that the name refers to the house of the Nile in Heliopolis, which was the god's abode in the city of Heliopolis, and Hapi was the god of the Nile.

Patriarchal Seat and Marian Traditions 

The Hanging Church served as the patriarchal seat of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in Cairo from the 7th to the 13th centuries. The church is a focal point for Marian traditions 

Major Restorations and Timeline 

The Hanging Church has undergone numerous restorations, with major reconstructions taking place in the 9th century and major modern repairs completed in 2011.

Pope Abraham ordered one of the first major restorations of the church. The church also underwent restoration in the era of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, al-Aziz Billah al-Fatimi, and al-Zahir al-Azzaz Din Allah. The roof of the church collapsed in 1983 when an engineer removed an interior column, causing extensive damage to most of the artwork inside. The building walls were further damaged in the 1992 earthquake in Cairo, and restoration was needed again in 1998, completed in 2011.

Architecture and Interior

This historic church is not only beautiful because of its strange architecture but also because of its deep spiritual heritage.

Basilican Layout and Wooden Ceiling 

Hanging Church is a basilican structure in a rectangular outer wall with three niches. It is surrounded by three porticoes around its courtyard. It lacks wings but has a double aisle. The ambon (pulpit) is made up of 15 Islamic columns resting on a white marble slab.

Its wooden ceilings, which were patterned after the design of Noah's Ark, its shimmering icons, and its ivory-encrusted screens convey a harmony between spiritual piety and artistic proficiency.

Icons and Marble Pulpit 

The most significant item in the church is the ivory-inlaid wooden screen, or iconostasis, decorated by precious icons of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, saints, and archangels. More than 100 icons cover the walls of the church, some dating from the 8th century, each a demonstration of piety and art.

The marble pulp on thirteen pillars that represent Christ and the twelve apostles is yet another architectural wonder. It is one of the few examples that still exist of early Christian liturgical furniture in Egypt and a point of interest for pilgrims who are interested in sacred art.

Altars, Domes, and Baptismal Font 

When seeing the Coptic church, the domes usually attract attention. These domes take the form of a curved, triangular spherical piece called a pendant. 

A baptismal font is a basin or container for baptismal water. A baptismal font represents the natural bodies of water in which baptisms originally took place, such as rivers and streams.

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How to Get There 

The church's location in Old Cairo means that it is linked to a larger historical and cultural context.

Location in Old Cairo (near Coptic Museum) 

The church is located in Old Cairo and is easily accessible via the St. George Metro. From there, you can reach the Hanging Church in a few steps away. 

Best Ways to Reach (Metro, Taxi, Ride‑hailing) 

To get there, take Metro Line 1 to St. George Station and exit onto Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah Street. The church is located a short walk from the metro station.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber to the church. All you have to do is ask the driver to take you to Old Cairo and look for the Hanging Church (also known as the Mualla Church or the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary).

Best Time to Visit 

Best time to visit the Hanging Church in Cairo, Egypt:

• October to April is the best season overall.
• November to March provides cooler days and calmer air.
• May to September brings extreme heat, so visit early in the morning or late afternoon.

Crowd and Weather Tips 

Seasons explanation

Spring (March–May): moderate weather, flowering squares, and less crowd. Morning light creates an aura around icons.

Summer (June–September): warm, sunny days. Arrive before 10:00 or after 15:30. Take water with you and take plenty of rest.

Autumn (October–November): clear skies, soft light, and moderate temperatures. Best for photographs.

Winter (December–February): cold, still, and peaceful. The insides appear cold, so wear a light layer.

Best hours of the day

Morning (08:30–11:00): Tranquil halls, fresh air, soft light. Ideal for photography.

Late afternoon (15:30–17:30): Warm color and cooler air. It is easier to combine with neighboring locations.

Avoid noon if possible. Crowds arrive, and rock courtyards become hot.

Quiet Hours for Reflection 

Best hours of the day

Morning (08:30–11:00): Tranquil halls, fresh air, soft light. Ideal for photography.

Late afternoon (15:30–17:30): Warm temperatures and warm colors. It is easier to match up with the surrounding areas.

Midday: Avoid it if possible. Tour groups are visiting, and stone courtyard areas get heated.

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Visit Duration and Flow

There are two styles of visiting the Hanging Church: 

30–60 Minute Essentials Route

The least 30–60 minute tour to the Hanging Church in Cairo includes a direct trip to Coptic Cairo, where the church exists, for a short tour. The primary route is only to get to the spot, enter the church, and take a while to see its main attractions, such as the floor plan of the basilica and the three apses.

90‑Minute In‑Depth Route 

The self-guided 90-minute tour to the Hanging Church, typically part of a Coptic Cairo tour, is aimed at the most important historical sites within a brief time frame and features the Hanging Church, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Accessibility and Facilities 

If you are touring the neighborhood, Old Cairo is easiest to reach on foot because the streets are narrow and the attractions are best viewed on foot.

Entrances, Steps, and Seating

Street access is through iron gates under a pointed stone arch. Later, the 19th-century front with two double bell towers is visible behind a thin courtyard with modern artistic biblical themes. Above the stairs and through the entrance is another small courtyard to the 11th-century outer terrace.

Restrooms and  Nearby Amenities 

The Hanging Church also has toilets, which are also a general expectation of visitors. The church compound may also have other facilities, such as a gift shop.

Respectful Conduct 

We can be respectful during church by dressing appropriately and modestly and talking softly and politely.

Behavior Inside Active Worship Spaces

General guidelines of conduct

• Be punctual: Being punctual demonstrates respect for service and others.
• Appropriate dress: Wear modest clothing appropriate to the place of worship.
• Be quiet: Reduce noise by avoiding common talking, whispering, or laughing before, during, or after service.
• Stay focused: Return your thoughts to prayer or service if they wander and avoid distracting activities such as eating or drinking.
• Showing respect: Showing honor toward God and following correct customs in a place of worship.
• Be aware: Be considerate of leaders and others present, recognizing that places of worship are for collective and individual worship.

Donations and Supporting the Community 

Although there are no specific, regular donation programs widely advertised for the Hanging Church, contributions are welcome during visits to support its maintenance and preservation.

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