Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, Cave monastery in Mokattam Hills, Egypt
The Monastery of Saint Simon features seven churches and chapels carved into limestone caves within the Mokattam Mountain cliffs near Cairo.
The monastery was established in the tenth century during the Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz period, following Saint Simon's reported miracle of moving the mountain.
The religious complex includes detailed stone carvings depicting biblical narratives and serves the Zabbaleen community, Cairo's primary waste collectors.
The central cathedral space accommodates 5,000 people and contains multiple levels for various religious ceremonies and educational activities throughout the week.
Archaeological discoveries in 1991 revealed Saint Simon's preserved remains, including intact hair and a millennium-old clay water vessel.
Location: Cairo Governorate
GPS coordinates: 30.03080,31.27620
Latest update: March 19, 2025 21:21
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