The Hanging Church

Name: Cairo Top Tours
Address: Egypt - Giza - Al-Ahram St.5th Hassan Said St. from Ahram St Giza P.O. Box 6, Egypt, EG
Telephone: +201022772955
Price range: 40$

Latest Articles

Aswan Governerate in Egypt

Aswan was known as ‘Sonu’ in ancient Egyptian times, meaning market, as it was a trading centre for caravans coming to and from Nubia. In the Ptolemaic era, it was called ‘Sin’ and the Nubians called it ‘Yaba Swan’. It was also known as the Land of Gold because it served as a great treasure or tomb for the kings of Nubia who lived there for thousands of years. Before the migration, Aswan's borders extended from Asna in the east to the border of Sudan in the south, and its inhabitants were Nubians, but after the Islamic conquest of Nubia, some Arab tribes settled there.
About Luxor Governorate in Egypt

The South Upper Egyptian area is home to the Egyptian governorate of Luxor. Its capital is Luxor, which was formerly Thebes, the capital of Egypt throughout multiple pharaonic eras. Its centers and cities are spread over both sides of the Nile River. The said governorate was established by Presidential Decree No. 378 of 2009, which was promulgated on the 9th of December of that year.
History of kafr El Sheikh Governorate

Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, located in the far north of Egypt in the Nile Delta, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is characterised by the diversity of natural life and environments, and is one of the Egyptian cities that can be visited after the end of the first semester exams at universities and schools, as it features many diverse tourist and recreational places at symbolic prices within everyone's reach.
Egypt's New Administrative Capital

The New Administrative Capital is considered the project of the era because it reflects a perfect image of the future and progress on the economic, cultural, social and civilisational level, as the capital is considered the new capital of Egypt at the present time. The importance of the New Capital is that it is a comprehensive transformation of the future of buildings, services and national and mega projects in Egypt.
Al Gharbia Governorate

The Governorate of Gharbia is inclusive in the geographical area of The Arab Republic of Egypt which is in the African continent, more specifically in the region surrounding the Nile delta, between Damietta and Rashid governance. To the control of the region from the north is Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, from the south Menoufia Governorate, from the east – Dakahlia, Qalyubia Governorates, and to the west is the Beheira Governorate.
Hamata Islands (Qulaan Archipelago) in Marsa Alam

Each reserve has several sectors. In Wadi El Gemal Reserve, there is one of the natural areas called the Hamata area or Hamata sector in Wadi El Gemal Reserve. Its sectors are the perfect and most ecological, land and water, and host countless animals and plants found in the oceans and on the land.

The Hanging Church

05 16, 2023

The Church of the Virgin Mary, known as the Hanging Church

The Hanging Church is located above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress in Coptic Cairo, with its central corridor hanging over a walkway. Early visitors gave the church the nickname "the Staircase Church" due to its access being through twenty-nine steps. Because the land surface has increased since the Roman era, the Roman tower is now mostly buried, reducing the church's height.

Access to the road is through iron gates located under a pointed stone arch. The slim courtyard decorated with contemporary art inspired by biblical stories opens up to a sight of the front of the building from the 1800s, showcasing two bell towers. Another small courtyard can be reached through the entrance and up the steps, which then leads to the outer porch dating back to the eleventh century.

It is believed that the Hanging Church was built when Isaac was patriarch (690-692), although there may have been a church from the 3rd or 4th century. However, the first mention of the church was in the biography of Joseph I (831-849) when the governor of Egypt visited it. During Pope Abraham's tenure (975–978), the church underwent a major reconstruction, with additional renovations taking place later, including a complete refurbishment in 2011. Old historical artifacts that are no longer in use were moved to the Coptic Museum. Ten wooden panels featuring Christian symbols, dating back to 1300 AD and originally part of a church door, are on display at the British Museum.

Coptic historians have conflicting views on the beginnings of the Babylon Fortress, a citadel constructed by the Romans. It is thought to have begun in the 19th century B.C. when Pharaoh Sesostris defeated the Babylonians and enslaved their people in Egypt. The prisoners rebelled, building a fortress around their living quarters, which was later named Babylon. It is believed by some individuals that Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon, built the fortress in the latter part of the sixth century B.C.

Share On Social Media:

Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

The Hanging Church is considered the most renowned Coptic Christian church in Cairo and potentially one of the earliest constructed in basilican style.

The Hanging Church got its name because it was built on top of an old Roman Fortress. They used logs from palm trees and layers of stones to make the church strong. What makes this church special is that its roof is shaped like Noah's ark and is made out of wood.

Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, also called the Hanging Church, is a very old church in Egypt. It is dedicated to Mother Mary and is located in a place called Babylon.

The Hanging Church is renowned for its beautiful Coptic architecture, including its wooden roof, marble columns, and intricate carvings. Visitors can admire the church's interior adorned with colorful frescoes, icons, and religious artifacts.

Yes, Egypt is home to several historic churches like the Church of Saint Virgin and the Church of Saint Catherine.

The distinctive Hanging Church features a wooden roof modeled after Noah's ark. Iron gates beneath a pointed stone arch form the entrance from the street. Beyond is a small courtyard with biblical themes from modern art that gives way to the nineteenth-century facade with its two bell towers.

;