Cairo Trip Overview
Marvel at Cairo’s UNESCO-listed treasures on a private tour to this amazing historic churches, the seven cave churches carved into the nearby Moqattam Mountain.
The Cairo Cave Church (St. Simon the Tanner Monastery) is located in the Mokattam mountain in southeast Cairo. The area is known as ‘garbage city’ due to the large number of garbage collectors or ‘Zabbaleen’ that live there and sort through the city’s waste, recycling up to 80% of it.
To reach the Cave Church, visitors must weave through winding alleys before arriving at the entrance to what is believed to be one of the largest engraved monasteries in the world. The Zabbaleen are a minority Coptic Christian group and this gigantic church, which has been carved out of the mountainside and has a seating capacity of up to 20,000, is their place of worship.
This 10th century church as it exists today features various motives and sculptures depicting the life of Christ, and an amphitheater surrounding a central pulpit.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Starts: Cairo, Egypt
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Cairo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Marvel at Cairo’s UNESCO-listed treasures on a private tour to this amazing historic churches, the seven cave churches carved into the nearby Moqattam Mountain.
The Cairo Cave Church (St. Simon the Tanner Monastery) is located in the Mokattam mountain in southeast Cairo. The area is known as ‘garbage city’ due to the large number of garbage collectors or ‘Zabbaleen’ that live there and sort through the city’s waste, recycling up to 80% of it.
To reach the Cave Church, visitors must weave through winding alleys before arriving at the entrance to what is believed to be one of the largest engraved monasteries in the world. The Zabbaleen are a minority Coptic Christian group and this gigantic church, which has been carved out of the mountainside and has a seating capacity of up to 20,000, is their place of worship.
This 10th century church as it exists today features various motives and sculptures depicting the life of Christ, and an amphitheater surrounding a central pulpit.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: St Simon the Tanner Monastery, Mokattam Hills, Cairo 11511 Egypt
Marvel at Cairo’s UNESCO-listed treasures on a private tour to this amazing historic churches, the seven cave churches carved into the nearby Moqattam Mountain. The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner is the largest and has an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 20,000. interesting experience.
Duration: 1 hour
