Cathedral of Our Lady of Egypt, Catholic cathedral in Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Egypt is a Catholic cathedral in the Heliopolis district of Cairo, built with large domes and a facade that combines Byzantine and European architectural elements. The main hall features rounded arches and decorated walls covered in religious imagery, with side chapels opening off the central nave.
The building was completed in 1913 to a design by French architect Alexandre Marcel, who deliberately combined Byzantine and European styles. The project was funded by Belgian financier Édouard Empain, who is now entombed in a chamber beneath the floor.
The cathedral is an active place of worship for Cairo's Roman Catholic community, used for weekly Masses and religious feasts throughout the year. Inside, visitors can see murals and religious artworks that draw on both European and Byzantine motifs.
The cathedral stands on Al-Ahram Square in Heliopolis, within walking distance of the surrounding neighborhood. As it is an active church, visitors should dress modestly and check opening hours before arriving, especially on days with scheduled services.
Since 2008, the cathedral has served as a co-cathedral of the Apostolic Vicariate of Alexandria, one of the few official structures of the Roman Rite in Egypt. This means it serves Catholics from across the whole country, not only those in Cairo.
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