 | Cairo Coptic Cairo Reviews | Tips 41 - 50 of 117 |  |
Curious as ever I accidentally spotted the sign on the old house not far from the entrance to Coptic Cairo. The sign showed the name of the famous Coptic family-Ghali . I asked my guide about it and he explained that house belongs to the same family from which ex Secretary General of the United Nations Butros butros Ghali is. Leave a Comment |
Narrow cobbled allays and almost sleepy streets are real refreshment after busy and noisy streets of Cairo. It is almost unbelievable that you are still in the center of that metropolis. Pay attention to the details such as the doors and windows and watch out not to step on some sleepy cat:).
If you are looking for some souvenirs you can as well buy them here. There are a few very large shops that sell them and you will be able to take your time looking around as nobody will bother you. It was refreshing change after other shopping experiences in Egypt. Leave a Comment |
Saints Sergius and Bacchus also known as Abu Serga Church is the oldest in Cairo. It is also the most holly place as it has been risen on the spot where Holly Family had lived when arrived in Egypt after escaping from Israel. The Church dates from 4th or 5th century and is erected in the middle of Roman Fortress of Babylon.
The interior of the Church is amazing. The visitor can admire the rich decoration, the frescos (most of them date from 15th c.) and are able to visit the crypt where Holly Family had lived. The crypt is 10 meters deep and is often flooded when Nile levels are high. Leave a Comment |
Situated in Old Cairo, the Coptic Museum has the most important cultural role in preserving the Coptic heritage. It houses over 140,000 antiquities, including manuscripts, icons, textiles and much more. Some items refering to the Hellenic, Nubian and Islamic cultures can be found as well. Leave a Comment |
St. Georgre Chapel is the most interesting part of the Monastery complex. It has been converted into Church in 15th century, before, it was the place used by Mamelukes. The main feature of the chapel is the double door of the extreme height of about 7 meters. The door separate an altar from the rest of the chapel. Other very interesting thing is the chain put on the wall of the Chapel. According to local belief, the chains of St George possess the power to cure from mental and some other illnesses. Leave a Comment |
The Arabic name for this part of the city is Masr al-Qadima. As its name says, it is inhabited by Copts, the ancient Christians that lived here much before the islam came into the country. The Coptic religion is very similar to the Eastern Orthodox but it slightly differs in some beliefs. They had their own language that had its roots in the pharaonic but it is almost lost, today they speak Arabic.
The settlement existed here from 6th century BC but the oldest remains can be found from the roman period.
Coptic Cairo is secluded from the rest of the city by the walls and would be secluded anyway since it is lying on much lower level so you have to go down the stairs to get into it. That fact is telling us that it really is the oldest part as the rest of the city was built on the level that have been risen during the centuries. No wonder, taking into consideration that the sands surrounds the city.
This old part of Cairo is must see as it treasures numerous sites which tell us the story of the ancient Christianity in this part of the world. Leave a Comment |
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The whole complex is dedicated to St.George, the saint-warrior who was the roman soldier. The Monastery dates from 7th century. The buildings of the nunnery were closed to the public but it was nice just to have a peep in the peaceful gardens and admire the exterior of this holly place.
The nuns take care of the whole compund including the Church. Leave a Comment |
Although modified repeatedly over the centuries, the Mosque of Amr ibn el-As is the first mosque ever built in Egypt and the whole of the African continent, and one of the few remaining buildings from el-Fustat, Cairo's predecessor. The mosque was originally constructed in the 7th century, by Amr ibn el-As, the leader of the Arab armies of Islam, just to the north of the Roman Fort of Babylon which is now known as Coptic Cairo. However, numerous expansions and restorations to the mosque have followed, effectively erasing the original mosque. Nonetheless, some of the ancient architecture, with possibly some recycled Roman columns, can still be seen. It is worth noting that this mosque was also a centre for religious studies centuries before el-Azhar was established. Directions: Just north of Coptic Cairo |
Another church dedicated to Saint George in Coptic Cairo, this one serves the Coptic community. The church was originally built by Athanasius in the 7th century, but was damaged in a fire and rebuilt in the 18th century. Only the famous marriage chamber, pre-dating the church itself, survived. |
Although the main building of the Coptic Convent of Saint George is closed to the public, there is a Chaplet open to visitors. This little chapel dates back from the 10th century. |
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Cairo
on September 1, 2007
on May 3, 2007
