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Egypt
Christian Coptic Sightseeing:
Egypt is
always known as the cradle of civilizations. Therefore when you visit
the area of Old Cairo or Masr El-Kadima, you'll notice the meaning of
this sentence, starting your trip, from the Hanging Church or El-Moa'alaka,
known as the hanging church cause it's built on top of the Roman Babylon
Fortress.
The
Hanging Church is the most famous church in Cairo, as well as the first
Basilican style one. Early parts of the church dates back to the 3 rd or
4 th century, then it was restored again several times, the most
important restorations were made by the Patriarch Abraham. Later on
during the 11 th century the Hanging Church became the official
residence of the Coptic Patriarchs of Alexandria.
Since
it's a hanged church, it's only, reached by stairs, it's once known as
the "staircase church" due to the 29 steps that leads to its entrance.
The Church architecture and interior decoration is magnificent with all
the geometrical designs of ebony inlaid with ivory. There are several
beautiful icons hanged for the Christ, Virgin Mary, Saint John the
Baptist, Saint peter, and other icons that are really worth to see.
Following your visit to the hanging church, you'll head towards the
Coptic Museum , located behind the Babylon fortress and to the right of
the Hanging church at Old Cairo (Masr El-Kadima). One of the most
important Coptic sightseeing in Cairo. It contains a variety of
monuments and art pieces that date back to different civilizations like;
starting from the Ancient Egyptian civilization passing by the Greek,
Roman, and finally the Islamic.
The
museum is built using wooden ceiling, and it bares a collection of
beautiful icons, Christina monuments, marble pillars, ornamented
fountains with mosaic, in addition of many other treasures, can be found
there.
Legends
brings us the stories that the Holy family rested in the area where Abu
Serga Church or St. Serguis & Bacchus Church is built nowadays.
St.
Serguis church(Abu Serga) dates back to the 4 th Century, and is
considered the oldest Christian Church in Cairo. Abu Serga church held a
significant position during old times as it was the place where many
patriarchs were elected.
Still
considered to be a remarkable tourist attraction.
Monastery & Church of St.George known as Mari Guirguis Church , that
notable image for St. George as a Roman soldier mounting a horse and
spearing a dragon is such a familiar and beautiful image throughout the
history.
St.
George Church is a really magnificent church, you'll feel relaxed as
soon as you enter it. The icons of St. Goerge can be found in the
chapel, there is also, a separate room that bares the iron collar, &
chain of Mari Guirguis.
You
should get blessings from St. George chain, the nuns in charge there
will place the chain around your neck and body as a sort of an
exceptional kind of blessing. And don't forget lighting a candle before
you leave and make a wish whatever your religion is.
The
"Hanging Church", also called "El Moalaka church" is dedicated to the
Virgin Mary and St. Dimiane. Archaeologists at Cairo's laboratory of the
history of archeology date back a wooden specimen from the floor of
Saint Mark church (at the Hanging church) to year 140-150 B.C.. However,
some historians believe that the church goes back only to the late 3rd
century and the beginning of the 4th century A.D. It was called the
Hanging Church because it is built over the Roman fortress on top of
which has been put palm trees wood and stones to be the ground of the
church. The roof of the church was made of wood in the shape of Noah's
Ark. The interior is beautifully decorated with pointed arches, cedar
panelling and translucent ivory screens.
St. Catherine Monastery
The Hanging Church
The Church of
Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Church of St.
Barbara
Wadi El
Natrun Monastries
Red Sea
Monasteries
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