Africa
Egypt
Cairo Governorate
Cairo
Things to do in Cairo
Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)

Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary), Cairo

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Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)

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Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)
4.5
783
#9 of 262 things to do in Cairo
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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This church, originally built in the ancient fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo around 4th century AD, derives its name from its location suspended above two Roman gate towers.
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,153 within 5 kms
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Attractions
170 within 10 kms
Coptic Cairo
2,044
0.1 kmNeighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Coptic Orthodox Church of St. George (Mari Girgis)
222
0.1 kmReligious Sites
The Coptic Museum
320
78 mArt Museums
Synagogue Ben Ezra
217
0.1 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Fort of Babylon
53
72 mHistoric Sites
St. Mercurius Church (Abu Seifien)
11
0.2 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus
161
0.7 kmChurches & Cathedrals
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0.4 kmFlea & Street Markets
Nilometer
102
0.6 kmDams
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Popular mentions
4.5
783 reviews
Excellent
463
Very good
255
Average
59
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Myo M
Coquitlam, Canada20,917 contributions
A nice one to "look up" :)
Nov. 2021
Definitely one to "look up" to after entering through the gate to its front grounds, I would say that its exterior architecture which gives the Church somewhat of an appearance of "hanging in the air" (or "being lifted up from the ground"). In any case, fairly nice (although "kind of stuffy" at the time with quite a number of people & incense smoke in the air) is the Church's interior with its walls quite filled with portraits of saints & such (including that of the Virgin & the Baby Jesus) and also one row alongside a wall lined with "relics of saints" (not sure of the contents inside with their exteriors wrapped with colorful cloths); but yes actually above all else, the "most worthwhile" of my visit here is not for those inside but for those outside (along both sides of the front grounds of the Church) which are these colorful & "pretty sizeable" mosaics depicting religious scenes (including one of the Baby Jesus on a donkey or such with his parents by his side).

After arriving a little late in the day, I only had time for this church in the Coptic Christian area of the city (with just passing by another church looking like a basilica or such located right beside this one and nothing else seen such as some remains of the Babylon Fortress or such) although it was a nice delicious lunch at a restaurant nearby after the church visit (just a few-minute walk to the right after coming out of this church).
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TTOverseas
Cairo, Egypt206 contributions
When Jesus Visited- The Pyramids were a Few Thousand Years Old...
Apr. 2022
This is an important part of the "story" of Egypt. The Church itself is impressive, but the Tour Guide did a great job explaining the early Christian history and to put things into perspective, as Jesus is believed to have visited and traveled around Egypt.

This location is surrounded with history and is well worth the visit when in Cairo.
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stephen R
Rennes, France49 contributions
Just a church
Apr. 2022
The church isn't really hanging, but there are certain areas with glass floors where you can see that it is elevated a bit. It's free, though, and the surrounding area is cool to walk through.
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
scotdoc2015
Birmingham, UK131 contributions
Historical
Mar. 2022
Must visit this place . Very significant place. Clean. Very peaceful inside. Sit down on benches and admire the woodwork and ornaments.
Written 13 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,331 contributions
A seat of the Patriarchate for centuries
Dec. 2021
In parts this amazing church dates back to as far as IV century and it is perhaps the best-known Coptic church in Cairo. It is called the Hanging Church because it was built on the southern of Babylon Fortress and right above a Roman gate no longer visible due to raising of the ground. It is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. The entry to the church is quite grand and the architecture is amazing. It features many unique Coptic icons. Do look at the stunning wooden ceiling designed to mimic Noah's Arc.
Coptic Orthodox Pope officially resides in the Hanging Church in Cairo.
Written 12 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SidSne
Dundee, UK156 contributions
Beautiful Church
Feb. 2022
A very historical site with lot of religious and spiritual history.
We spent about 45 minutes during Cairo trip and its adequate for getting to know the place
Very busy with tourists but well wort visits to get a feel of this great church.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
982pradipb
Navi Mumbai, India409 contributions
A hurried trip
Feb. 2022
It is a beautiful Church inside out with fountains in its courtyard . A must in Coptic Cairo . I happened to meet the Bishop there who has his office in the Church . It also houses a book shop and a counter for souvenirs .
Written 23 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Art K
Monroe, NY138 contributions
A very interesting site to visit in Coptic Cairo
Nov. 2021
The lovely Hanging Church, which was built in the 7th century and it’s lovely courtyard and interior with its elaborate wooden screen, marble pulpit and icons.
Written 1 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael W
Redding, CT947 contributions
Interesting
Dec. 2021 • Solo
This church is very close to the Coptic Museum and I thought it was the much more interesting of the two. Not huge but it takes a while to look at all the artifacts, especially the relics of dozens of saints. These are all wrapped up and sealed in cases, so I’m not sure exactly what they consist of but it’s worth a good look round nevertheless.
Written 2 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ravichandra108
Hyderabad District, India236 contributions
In Coptic Cairo
Nov. 2021
The church has been built on the fortress of Babylon. Just before entering, at street level, there is a sign that says 'Roman tower'. I visited the church in the afternoon, and could see the Liturgy in progress.
Written 25 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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