Hanging Church, Coptic Orthodox church in Old Cairo, Egypt
The Hanging Church stands elevated above a Roman fortress gatehouse, featuring twin bell towers and a wooden roof shaped like Noah's ark.
Between the 7th and 13th centuries, this religious structure served as the official residence of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria.
The church interior displays 110 religious icons, including the notable 8th-century artwork known as the Coptic Mona Lisa.
The entrance to the church remains free of charge, with visiting hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day throughout the year.
The structure rests upon logs of palm trees and stone layers placed over Roman fortress ruins, creating an elevated foundation.
Location: Cairo Governorate
Inception: 7 century
Part of: Coptic Orthodox Church
GPS coordinates: 30.00542,31.23008
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:35
Cairo preserves an architectural heritage spanning over fifteen centuries. This collection includes religious buildings, traditional houses, and utilitarian structures that reflect the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Mosques such as Sultan Hassan with its 68-meter minaret stand alongside ancient homes with mashrabiya windows, while the 9th-century Nilometer highlights the river's importance in Egyptian society. The route passes through various historic districts, from El Khalifa with its medieval monuments to Ottoman houses from the 16th and 17th centuries like Bayt Al-Suhaymi or those housing the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Aqsunqur Mosque stands out with its Iznik tiles showcasing floral motifs, a legacy of Ottoman influence. The City of the Dead, a cemetery stretching four kilometers, illustrates the continuity between burial sites and inhabited areas. Green spaces like Al-Azhar Park offer views of a dense city where traditions blend with everyday life.
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