Egypt trip, Dec 2008 - Masr al-Qadima (Old Cairo) Part 1

We arrived in Cairo at around 1am so we decided to take it easy and have a short city tour during the day.

Our first stop is the Mara Girgis area. It is one of Cairo's oldest still-inhabited neighbourhoods.

In the 6th Century BC, it was a fortified garrison, known as Babylon-in-Egypt.

As we exited the Mari Girgis metro station, there were the remains of two Roman towers. They formed part of the fortifications built by Emperor Trajan in AD 130.

We then visited the 7th Century Al-Muallaqa Church (Church of the Virgin). It is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and it is also the most famous Coptic Christian church in Cairo

The nineteenth century façade with twin bell towers is decorated with modern art biblical designs.

The building is also called the "Hanging Church" as its nave was built on top of a Roman bastion. (This photo is a little confusing, but imagine you are standing on a platform looking down, and this is how high up the church is)

The church is dark but its interior is splendidly decorated.

The main altar (Egyptian Arabic: haikal) screen is made of ebony inlaid with ivory that is carved into segments showing several Coptic Cross designs that date back to around the 12th or 13th century.

13th Century ebony screen inlaid with ivory

The 11th-century marble pulpit surmounts 13 pillars, representing Jesus and the 12 disciples. As customary in Coptic churches, one of the pillars is black (made with basalt), representing Judas, and another is grey, for doubting Thomas. Its steps are carved with a shell and a cross.

The Church is adorned with Icons.

[to be continued]