The Hanging Church
The Hanging church of the Virgin Mary
The Hanging Church is situated above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress in Coptic Cairo, with its nave suspended over a passage. Access to the church is via twenty-nine steps, earning it the nickname "the Staircase Church" by early visitors. Due to the rise in land surface since the Roman era, the Roman tower is mostly buried, lessening the church's elevated appearance.
Entry from the road is via iron gates beneath a pointed stone arch. The narrow courtyard adorned with modern art biblical designs leads to a view of the nineteenth-century facade featuring twin bell towers. Through the entrance and up the steps is another small courtyard that leads to the outer porch from the eleventh century.
The Hanging Church was most likely constructed during Isaac's time as patriarch (690-692), but there is a possibility of an earlier church from the 3rd or 4th century. Yet, the church was first referenced in the biography of Joseph I (831-849) as being visited by the governor of Egypt. The Pope Abraham (975–978) oversaw a significant reconstruction of the church, with various other renovations occurring over time, including a thorough refurbishment in 2011. Historical items no longer in use were transferred to the Coptic Museum. Ten wooden panels from a church door dating back to 1300 AD, embellished with Christian symbols, can be seen at the British Museum.
Coptic historians disagree on the origins of the Babylon Fortress, a Roman-built citadel. Some believe it originated in the 19th century B.C. when Pharaoh Sesostris conquered the Babylonians and brought their people to Egypt as slaves. The inmates revolted, constructing a stronghold around their residence, which was later dubbed Babylon. Some people think that Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, constructed the fortress in the late sixth century B.C. following his victory over Egypt. The Hanging Church was built on the former south Bastions of the citadel, which indicated the main entrance to the fortress, and is what gives the church its distinctive ‘hanging’ quality. Under the church lies the ancient atrium entrance, featuring walls with niches that once held sculptures. Additional support for the building was later incorporated through the addition of stacked columns and brick arches.
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