Old Coptic & Islamic Cairo

Overview

Enjoy visiting Cairo, explore the most significant historical sites in Old Cairo and get deeper into Egypt’s civilization through its Coptic & Islamic attractions. Many of the places included in the Coptic Cairo itinerary are remnants of the Greco-Roman era. This area, which at the time was regarded as the border between Upper and Lower Egypt, saw the construction of the Babylon fortification.

By visiting Cairo, especially its old neighborhood, you’ll notice that it is a city rich in history and brings different civilizations together. Coptic old Cairo is a house for plenty of coptic monuments and archaelogical churchs, such as The Hanging Church or which known as EL- Moallaqa because it was built on the southern gate of the Roman fortress. There is a famous miracle related to El-Moallaqa as it witnessed the appearance of Virgin Mary in reign of a Fatimid Caliph EL-Muizz.

Another magnificent church exists there, The Church of St. Serguis and its historcial signifisance dates back to The Holy Family as the church was their shelter during their journey in Egypt. It is worth mentioning that Coptic Museum exists at the same neighborhood next to the churches and it comprises plenty of coptic artifacts. You’ll have a chance to visit The Synagouge of Ebn Ezra as well.

Visiting Cairo will be more enjoyable by visiting its Islamic monuments, mostly the remarkable structure of Salah Al-Din Citadel which was built to guard the city against the rocky hills that towered above it. For approximately 700 years, from the 13th to the 19th century, it served as Egypt’s capital and the home of its rulers. Then have the chance to visit the magnificent mosque of Mohamed Ali, one of the best preserved Islamic monuments in the world. It contains unique pieces that were owned by Mohamed Ali & the clock tower which was a gift from Louis Philip. It is distinguished by its unusual architecture and art.

The Itinerary

• You’ll be accompanied by our private tour guide to visit the Church of St. Sergius, which was built upon the crypt where The Holy Family stayed during their time in Egypt as is known. It dates back to the 5th century.
• Then we’ll move to visit one of the most remarkable Coptic monuments in Cairo “The Hanging Church”. The Hanging Church is a distinctive building with a wooden roof shaped like Noah’s ark. The Coptic Patriarch lived in the Hanging Church from the seventh to the thirteenth centuries. Important elections and religious ceremonies have been held in it.
• After that we’ll head to Ibn Ezra Synagogue, some said that this synagogue was the site of Jeremiah’s Temple and others said it was the place where Pharoah’s daughter found Moses when he was a baby.
• Our next destination will be the Citadel of Salah Al-Din, one of the most outstanding Islamic Monuments in Cairo and in the world. It was erected in 1176 AD by Salah Al-Din to improve the fortifications of the city.
• Finally, we’ll move to visit the alabaster masterpiece of “Mohamed Ali Mosque” which houses a wide range of magnificent pieces & artworks in addition to The Clock Tower of Louis Philip King of France. The structure was a leap in Islamic art at that time and till now.