Overview:

Al-Muallaqa Church in Cairo, Egypt, is a Coptic Christian church located near Islamic Cairo, in the historic area of Cairo. The church is over 1,000 years old and was established during the Fatamid Dynasty (later known as the Ayyubid Dynasty). It is the oldest surviving Christian church in Egypt and is considered to be the most revered among the Christian community in the country. The church is prominently placed in the heart of Cairo’s commercial district and was built using exquisite gypsum-mud brickwork. It is also known for its intricate and elaborate woodwork. Its spire is crowned with three gold stars representing the trinity. Al-Muallaqa is known throughout Egypt for its spiritual significance and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Historical Significance: Al-Muallaqa Church is a Coptic Church in Cairo, Egypt and is the oldest church in Egypt, dating back to the 4th century A.D. It is believed to be one of the earliest Christian structures in Egypt. The church is located near some of Egypt’s iconic landmarks including the Cairo Citadel, the Mosque of Sultan Barquq, and the Museum of Islamic Art. 2. Architecture: Al-Muallaqa Church has a traditional basilica plan with thick stone walls and a pitched roof. Ancient Egyptian architectural motifs have been incorporated in the design, such as pillars and capitals. The church also features a large sanctuary and two colonnades. 3. Artwork: One of the main features of Al-Muallaqa Church is its magnificent artwork. The church is decorated with an array of wall paintings depicting Biblical scenes and Christian figures such as Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. It also features Coptic-style crosses, mosaics, and engraved stones. 4. Location: Al-Muallaqa Church is located in the heart of Cairo, on Al-Muallaqa Street, close to the Mosque of Sultan Barquq and the Cairo Citadel. It can be easily reached by bus, metro, or taxi. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

, Al-Muallaqa Church or Hanging Church is an ancient Coptic Christian church located in Coptic Cairo. It is famous for its location, as it is literally in suspended in midair over a section that was once the gate of the Babylon fortress. No one knows exactly when the church was built; some believe that it was built in the 4th century AD, while others contend that the structure was completed in the 7th century AD. The church has an interesting story about its name. In Arabic, Muallaqa translates to "hanging" or "suspended," which refers to the church's placement over the gate. Although the exact origin of the name is uncertain, most agree that it came about because of the church's physical location. The church is built in a distinctive architectural style, which includes a double-aisle interior, decorated with marble columns and a gilded Iconostasis. In terms of its artwork, Al-Muallaqa Church contains several beautiful and unique pieces, such as several centuries-old paintings and a 6th century wooden crucifix. Al-Muallaqa Church is renowned for its spiritual significance as well. Since its construction, the church has been a popular pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians, and is still an important part of the Coptic Church today. It services are conducted entirely in ancient Coptic, and visitors come to the church to pray and take part in regular worship. Despite its age, Al-Muallaqa Church is highly regarded and admired by many, as it stands as a symbol of the ancient Christian history of Egypt and the Coptic Church. It can also be seen as a reminder of the importance of religious tolerance, as the church was allowed to remain standing in Cairo when most other Christian buildings were destroyed and replaced with mosques. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Al-Muallaqa Church is the oldest Coptic Orthodox church in Cairo, and is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. 2. It was built in 960 AD. 3. Al-Muallaqa is Arabic for "hung-in-air," which is a reference to its unique location atop a high, pre-existing Coptic tower. 4. The podium where the priest would have held sermons is located on the top floor and still stands today. 5. The church is decorated with beautiful murals, which includes religious motifs. 6. One of its most unique features is the hanging lamp suspended from the church’s ceiling. 7. The church is a great example of early Coptic architecture. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era