Cairo Things to Do Tips by vesna04

The Arabic name for this part of the city is Masr al-Qadima. As its name says, it is inhabited by Copts, the ancient Christians that lived here much before the islam came into the country. The Coptic religion is very similar to the Eastern Orthodox but it slightly differs in some beliefs. They had their own language that had its roots in the pharaonic but it is almost lost, today they speak Arabic.
The settlement existed here from 6th century BC but the oldest remains can be found from the roman period.
Coptic Cairo is secluded from the rest of the city by the walls and would be secluded anyway since it is lying on much lower level so you have to go down the stairs to get into it. That fact is telling us that it really is the oldest part as the rest of the city was built on the level that have been risen during the centuries. No wonder, taking into consideration that the sands surrounds the city.
This old part of Cairo is must see as it treasures numerous sites which tell us the story of the ancient Christianity in this part of the world.

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Address: Old Cairo
Website: http://www.touregypt.net

Coptic Cairo: Abu Serga Church

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007

by vesna04 , 1 more photos

Saints Sergius and Bacchus also known as Abu Serga Church is the oldest in Cairo. It is also the most holly place as it has been risen on the spot where Holly Family had lived when arrived in Egypt after escaping from Israel. The Church dates from 4th or 5th century and is erected in the middle of Roman Fortress of Babylon.
The interior of the Church is amazing. The visitor can admire the rich decoration, the frescos (most of them date from 15th c.) and are able to visit the crypt where Holly Family had lived. The crypt is 10 meters deep and is often flooded when Nile levels are high.

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Address: Old Cairo
Website: http://www.touregypt.net

Coptic Cairo: St.George Chapel

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007

St. Georgre Chapel is the most interesting part of the Monastery complex. It has been converted into Church in 15th century, before, it was the place used by Mamelukes. The main feature of the chapel is the double door of the extreme height of about 7 meters. The door separate an altar from the rest of the chapel. Other very interesting thing is the chain put on the wall of the Chapel. According to local belief, the chains of St George possess the power to cure from mental and some other illnesses.

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Address: Old Cairo
Website: http://www.touregypt.net

Coptic Cairo: St.George Monastery

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007

St.George Monastery

The whole complex is dedicated to St.George, the saint-warrior who was the roman soldier. The Monastery dates from 7th century. The buildings of the nunnery were closed to the public but it was nice just to have a peep in the peaceful gardens and admire the exterior of this holly place.
The nuns take care of the whole compund including the Church.

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Address: Old Cairo
Website: http://www.touregypt.net

Coptic Cairo: Ben Ezra Synagogue

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007

Ben Ezra's Temple has been erected in the 6th or presumably the 9th Century AD which makes it one of the oldest surviving synagogues, although it is now a museum more than a functioning synagogue.

The legend says that until the 9th century, there was a church instead. The Jewish community bought it from Copts who needed the money to pay taxes to the Islamic rulers.
According to another legend Moses, left in the basket, was found here by Pharaoh's daughter.
In 19th century over 400,000 items were discovered there, including a valuable collection of ancient manuscripts and Torah scrolls, that are thousands of years old.

The Ben Ezra Library is situated in a small building in the south western courtyard behind the Ben Ezra Synagogue.

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Address: Old Cairo
Website: http://www.touregypt.net

Things To Do: The well in the Synagogue yard

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007

The Well

As I mentioned it in the previous tip, Moses was found here by Pharaoh's doghter. The picture shows the well where, according the legend, he was found. It is situated in the back yard of the synagogue. However, other stories tell us that the Synagogue was built over that particular place.
One thing is for sure, this Sinagogue is home to so many stories and mysteries and is entarely up to us to belive in them or not.

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Coptic Cairo: "Fortress of Babylon"

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007

Coptic-Old Cairo was built on the remains of the Roman Fortress known as Babylon. The remains of it's walls can still be found. That also is the case in the surroundings of the Ben Ezra's Synagogue. It is very hard to differ these remains from other walls uless someone show them to you as all the walls look very old.

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Address: Old Cairo
Website: http://www.touregypt.net

Coptic Cairo: The Hanging Church

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007

The Hanging Church

Built by the Romans 2100 years ago, it is called Al Muallaka (the hanging) because it was built up on ruins of two old towers left from the old fortress of Babylon. It was a Roman Temple converted to Roman Church and later to a Coptic Church. The church was dedicated to The Virgin Mary.
One of its numerous names also is a �staircase church� as about 30 stairs lead to the main entrance.
The interior is simply wonderful. The wooden dome, the frescos and a marble are combined to create unrepeatable impression.

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Address: Old Cairo
Website: http://www.touregypt.net

Coptic Cairo: Coptic Museum

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007

Situated in Old Cairo, the Coptic Museum has the most important cultural role in preserving the Coptic heritage. It houses over 140,000 antiquities, including manuscripts, icons, textiles and much more. Some items refering to the Hellenic, Nubian and Islamic cultures can be found as well.

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Address: Old Cairo
Website: http://www.touregypt.net

Coptic Cairo: Old Cairo Streets

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Updated by vesna04

on Sep 1, 2007