Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of Old Cairo on this half-day tour. Explore the ancient churches, including the famous Hanging Church, and visit the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue. Don’t miss the vibrant Khan Al-Khalili bazaar for a taste of local culture.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of Old Cairo on this half-day tour. Explore the ancient churches, including the famous Hanging Church, and visit the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue. Don’t miss the vibrant Khan Al-Khalili bazaar for a taste of local culture.
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Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary) - At the agreed-upon time, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin your half-day tour of Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo, which signifies Christian Cairo.
The Hanging Church gets its name from its location above a gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress, a Roman fortress in Coptic…
- Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary) - At the agreed-upon time, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin your half-day tour of Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo, which signifies Christian Cairo.
The Hanging Church gets its name from its location above a gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress, a Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo); its nave is suspended over a passage. The church is accessed by twenty-nine steps, leading early travelers to call it the “Staircase Church.” Over the centuries, the land surface has risen by about six meters since the Roman period, causing the Roman tower to be mostly buried below ground, which diminishes the visual impact of the church’s elevated position.
- Church of St. Barbara - Saint Barbara, known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian saint and martyr from Lebanon and Greece. She is believed to have lived in the 3rd century in Heliopolis Phoenicia, now modern-day Baalbek, Lebanon. There are no references to her in early Christian writings or in the original version of Saint Jerome’s martyrology.
- Synagogue Ben Ezra - This synagogue’s geniza, or storeroom, was discovered in the 19th century to contain a treasure trove of forgotten Hebrew, Aramaic, and Judeo-Arabic secular and sacred manuscripts. Known as the Cairo Geniza, the collection was brought to the University of Cambridge in England by Solomon Schechter. Today, it is divided among several academic libraries, with the majority housed at the Cambridge University Library.
- Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church - This church is dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus, soldier-saints martyred in the 4th century in Syria by the Roman Emperor Maximian. The most intriguing feature is the crypt where Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus are said to have rested. The crypt is 10 meters deep and often floods when Nile levels are high.
- Khan Al-Khalili - A visit to Khan el-Khalili, a famous bazaar and souq in Cairo’s historic center, is a must. Established as a trade center during the Mamluk era and named after one of its historic caravanserais, the bazaar district has become a major attraction for both tourists and Egyptians. It is home to many Egyptian artisans and workshops producing traditional crafts and souvenirs. Originally, Khan el-Khalili referred to a single building, but today it encompasses the entire shopping district. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
- Private Trip
- Tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Entry Fees
- Private Trip
- Tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Entry Fees
- Gratuities
- Personal Items
- Lunch at Local restaurant (Optional)
- Gratuities
- Personal Items
- Lunch at Local restaurant (Optional)
Embark on a half-day journey to Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo, a place of Christian significance. It’s celebrated as a sacred site, due to its association with the Holy Family’s visitation. Many claim to still sense the divine aura left by their presence, even if their visit was brief. They fled to this place, seeking refuge in a cave when the…
Embark on a half-day journey to Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo, a place of Christian significance. It’s celebrated as a sacred site, due to its association with the Holy Family’s visitation. Many claim to still sense the divine aura left by their presence, even if their visit was brief. They fled to this place, seeking refuge in a cave when the Governor of Fustat, angered by the collapse of idols at the arrival of Jesus, attempted to assassinate the Child. Above this cave, the Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergius) was erected later. This location, along with the entire Fort of Babylon area, are pilgrimage destinations for Egyptians and Christians globally, imparting a serene devout atmosphere throughout the district.
In this historic quarter of Cairo, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Church of Abu-Sergah and St. Barbara, the suspended church, as well as the ancient Jewish synagogue – Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the lively Khan Al-Khalili market.
- Entrance fees -Depending on the Tour Options Chosen
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.