Coptic Cairo: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches

Visit the El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church, also known as the Monastery of St. Simon, on a private tour that also explores the magnificent churches of Coptic Cairo. Discover some of Cairo’s most significant Christian sites, including the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, the Church of Saint Barbara, and the Hanging Church. This tour goes beyond traditional sightseeing, offering a glimpse into ‘Garbage City,’ a fascinating Cairo neighborhood that most visitors overlook. Your knowledgeable guide will provide rich historical context and cultural insights, ensuring a comprehensive and enlightening experience. Enjoy the convenience of private transportation, making your journey through Cairo’s spiritual and less-traveled paths seamless and memorable.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at the requested time to start your half-day tour of Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo. Recognized as a holy place, Coptic Cairo holds significant religious importance as it is believed to be one of the locations visited by the Holy Family. The spiritual impact of their presence is still felt here. The area, which includes the Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergius), built above a cave where the Holy Family took shelter, is a destination of pilgrimage for both Egyptians and Christians worldwide. The entire district exudes an air of piety and devotion.

Saint Barbara, known as the Great Martyr Barbara in the Eastern Orthodox Church, was an early Christian saint and martyr from the 3rd century. Although there are no references to her in early Christian writings or Saint Jerome’s original martyrology, she is revered for her steadfast faith. The Church of St. Barbara in Coptic Cairo commemorates her legacy.

The Hanging Church, named for its location above a gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress, is a key historical and religious site in Coptic Cairo. The church’s nave is suspended over a passage, and it is approached by twenty-nine steps, earning it the nickname “the Staircase Church.” The land surface has risen significantly since the Roman period, leaving the Roman tower mostly buried and the church’s elevated position less pronounced.

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is renowned for its geniza, or storeroom, which was discovered in the 19th century to contain a treasure trove of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Judeo-Arabic manuscripts. This collection, known as the Cairo Geniza, includes both secular and sacred texts and is now housed primarily at the Cambridge University Library, with portions in other academic libraries.

The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner is associated with the Coptic Orthodox saint who is credited with the miraculous moving of the Mokattam Mountain during the rule of the Fatimid Caliph al-Muizz Lideenillah (953–975). This event took place while Abraham the Syrian was the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The monastery is a significant site of pilgrimage and historical interest. After completing the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, enriched with the spiritual and historical insights of Coptic Cairo.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• Coptic Cairo: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches
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  Pickup included

• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Taxes and charges.
• Private transportation
• Expert tour guide.

• Tipping
• Entrance fees

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• This Tour is Provided by Egypt VIP Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Africa/Cairo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.