Old Cairo

A stained-glass window inside the Hanging Church

The oldest area in Cairo dates back to the 6th century B.C. and is often referred to today as Coptic Cairo because of its large number of early Christian churches. Of the original 20 Christian churches, only 5 remain, but they are considered a must-see for any traveler visiting the city. The word coptic is derived from the Arab word Gibt, which literally means Egyptians. Therefore, Coptic Christians are merely, Egyptian Christians.

Hanging Church

Located on the top of the southern tower gate of the Babylon fortress, the nave of the Hanging Church is suspended above the passageway, thus giving it its name. Built in the 7th century and dedicated to St. Mary, today it is the most famous Coptic Christian church in Cairo.

The curved, wooden ceiling is a tribute to Noah's Ark.

Fortress of Babylon

A series of walls and towers built by the Romans, which are now part of several churches in the area.

Church of St. George

The Greek Orthodox church of St. George was originally constructed in the 10th century but rebuilt in 1904 after a fire destroyed the structure. Built atop the foundation of an old Roman tower, St. George is the only round church in Egypt.

Greek Orthodox Cemetery

Ben Ezra Synagogue

Originally a Christian church, Ben Ezra Synagogue was purchased by the Jews in 882 A.D. in order for the Coptic Christians to pay the annual taxes imposed by the Muslims. The current building, erected in 1892, is a replica of the collapsed original.

Apparently, I didn't get a photo of the synagogue. I borrowed this one from sacred-destinations.com.

Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque

Erected in 642 A.D., Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque is the first and oldest mosque in Egypt. Because of our female non-Muslim status, we were unable to enter the mosque or pass by the guards at the gate. Obviously the mosque is not part of Coptic Christian Cairo, but it is within walking-distance to the other churches and considered part of Old Cairo.