The Hanging Church

• Location: 5 Mari Gerges, Misr AI Qadimah, Cairo Governorate
• Contact: +20-2-23636305
• Opentime：9：00-17:00

 

 

The exterior of the Hanging Church

 

The Hanging Church is located in the Coptic Quarter of Cairo, Egypt. It was built in the 3rd century AD and was originally named "Church of the Virgin Mary". It is one of the oldest Christian churches in Egypt and represents the history and culture of Coptic Christianity. The church's name comes from its unique location on the ancient Roman wall, making it look like it is hanging in the air.

 

The church has been rebuilt and expanded over the centuries, especially in the 7th and 9th centuries AD. There are many important religious relics and artworks in the church, including exquisite wood carvings, altars and murals, reflecting the style of Coptic art.

 

Architectural style

Architectural structure of the Hanging Church

 

The architectural style of the Hanging Church combines elements of Byzantium and Ancient Egypt, showing a unique aesthetic. It uses a solid brick and stone structure with a wooden frame and thick walls, reflecting solidity and a sense of history. The interior space is tall and open, and the vaulted ceiling adds a sense of grandeur. The church is richly decorated, with rich carvings and murals showing biblical stories and Christian symbols. The windows are designed to be small and tall, which both introduces natural light and maintains privacy, and the overall religious solemnity and mystery are presented.

 

 

History

 

The Hanging Church is also called the Church of the Virgin Mary. This Islamic-style Christian church has a history of more than 1,800 years. It is called the Hanging Church because it was built above the southwest gate of the Babylon Castle in ancient Cairo, and the main hall of the church is suspended above the aisle. At that time, the Virgin Mary was pregnant with Jesus in Palestine. Because she was a virgin and gave birth to a child, she was hunted down by the king of Palestine at that time. In order to protect her child, Maria fled from Palestine, riding a donkey and walking, and arrived in Cairo three months later. The Egyptian king at that time built this hanging church for the Virgin Mary and Jesus, so it became a Christian holy place in Egypt.

 

The Hanging Church dates back to the 3rd century AD. As one of the oldest Christian churches in Egypt, it was originally built to commemorate the Virgin Mary. In the early days of Christianity, believers faced persecution, so they chose to build churches in hidden and defensive places. The Hanging Church got its name because of its unique location on the ancient Roman wall, giving people a visual effect of being suspended in the air.

 

Over time, the church gradually attracted more and more believers. Between the 7th and 9th centuries, as the influence of Christianity expanded, the Hanging Church underwent several reconstructions and expansions, adding several small altars and side rooms to accommodate the growing demand for worship. During this period, the church not only continued to serve as a religious center for Christianity, but also became a place for religious dialogue after the Arab conquest, promoting exchanges and interactions between Muslims and Christians.

 

The Hanging Church has also witnessed several important historical events, including the life and adaptation of Christians under Muslim rule. Despite the challenges, the church still provides a spiritual sanctuary for believers and maintains its religious and cultural importance.

 

After entering the 20th century, the Hanging Church has received more systematic protection and restoration work, becoming an important part of Egypt's cultural heritage. Today, the church is not only a place of worship for Coptic Christians, but also an important attraction for tourists from all over the world, attracting countless people interested in history and religion. A large number of important cultural relics and artworks are preserved inside the church, including exquisite wood carvings, murals, and religious relics from different historical periods, reflecting the Christian faith and Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

 

The ticket prices for the Hanging Churches

Foreign tourists: about 50 Egyptian pounds (about 3 US dollars).

 

Egyptian citizens: about 20 Egyptian pounds (about 1.3 US dollars).

 

Children and students: there may be discounts, depending on the policy.

 

Guided tours may also be available, usually costing around 100 Egyptian pounds (about 6 US dollars), depending on the professionalism of the guide.

 

Best time to visit: 

 

Morning or early afternoon: Usually between 9am and 10am or between 3pm and 4pm there are fewer people and you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

 

 

What can you see in the hanging church？

The ceiling of the Church Hangs

 

In the Hanging Church, you can see many unique landscapes and works of art, including exquisite murals and sculptures, reliefs depicting Christian stories, and richly decorated wooden ceilings. The icons and sacred atmosphere inside the church are impressive, as are the ancient altars and Coptic art details. In addition, the architectural structure of the church itself is a wonder, especially the hanging design and historical relics. The surrounding environment and other ancient churches and museums also add a rich cultural background to the overall experience.

 

How to get to The Hanging Church?

Getting to Cairo: You can reach Cairo International Airport by plane.

 

From the airport to the city center: You can take a taxi or book an airport transfer service from the airport, the journey takes about 30-45 minutes.

 

Getting to the Coptic Quarter:

 

Taxi: Just tell the driver to go to the "Hanging Church", most drivers are familiar with this place.

Public transportation: You can take the subway to the "Mar Girgis" station, and then walk to the Hanging Church, which is about 10 minutes walk.