Overview:

Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo) is the oldest part of the modern city of Cairo, located near the entrance of the NileDelta, north of the Citadel. It was once a center for Christianity in Egypt, and is home to ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic sites. The most recognizable monuments in Coptic Cairo are the Hanging Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, the Coptic Museum, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. The area also contains several Coptic churches and monasteries, which were built between the 5th- 14th centuries. Although most of Old Cairo's monuments are of Christian origin, the neighborhood also houses many important mosques and other Islamic architecture. Today, Coptic Cairo is one of Cairo’s top tourist attractions, and is a popular destination for both foreign and domestic visitors. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa): one of the oldest churches in Egypt built in the 4th century and located near the Babylon Fortress. 2. Ben Ezra Synagogue: an 11th century synagogue which contains the purported burning bush. 3. Coptic Museum: over 16,000 works of art that span the 4th century through the 19th century representing Christianity in Egypt. 4. Babylon Fortress: a fortified stronghold built by the Romans that has been used as a fortress, prison, and synagogue. 5. Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque: Egypt’s oldest and most important mosque, established in 641 by the first Arab ruler of Egypt. 6. Greek Church of St. George: the first Greek Orthodox church in the country, located in the oldest part of Cairo. 7. Abu Serga Church: a Coptic Orthodox Church dedicated to the Holy Family and located inside the old walls of Coptic Cairo. 8. Coptic Street and Coptic Quarter: the oldest neighborhoods of Cairo where many old homes, churches, and monasteries can be found. 9. el-Fishawi Café: one of Cairo’s oldest cafés and known for its traditional social setting, music, and interesting architecture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

Old Cairo, located in the capital of Egypt, is one of the oldest cities in the world and is believed to have been founded in the 9th century BCE. It was initially established as the ancient city of Babylon, which served as a major trading hub and the cultural capital of Egypt. The city was later controlled by the Romans, who established a major garrison here. During this time, the city was known as Fort Babylon by the Romans, and Coptic Christians also made their home in the area. After the Muslim conquest of Egypt in the 7th century CE, Old Cairo began to slowly become the center of the Coptic community in Egypt and was eventually given the moniker of “Coptic Cairo” due to the high concentration of Copts in the area. The area was also home to a number of important religious structures and sites. It has been the site of a Coptic Cathedral since around the 4th century CE, and is home to one of the most important Coptic monasteries in the world, Monastery of Saint George. This monastery includes the Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches in the world, and is believed to have been constructed in the fourth century. Old Cairo also contains a number of other important sites. The Artillery Citadel of Cairo, built by the Mamluks in the 12th century CE, is a major tourist attraction and one of the most important medieval military structures in Egypt. Additionally, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, built in the 7th century CE, is the oldest mosque in Egypt and one of the earliest surviving mosques in the world. Today, Old Cairo is a bustling area filled with markets, churches, and monuments, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Old Cairo is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history stretching back over 4,000 years. 2. The area was once the center of Coptic Christianity in Egypt and home to Egypt’s Coptic Christian community for more than 1,500 years. 3. The ancient Egyptian temple known as the Hanging Church of Cairo is located in Old Cairo. 4. Coptic Cairo is sometimes referred to as “Dar al-Islam”, meaning “the House of Islam”. 5. Old Cairo’s rich history is revealed in its many historical monuments, including the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Khan el-Khalili souk. 6. The city also features monuments from more modern times, such as the old domed Citadel and the Cairo Tower. 7. Old Cairo is also home to several well-known parks, including Al-Azhar Park, and a number of museums. 8. The area is known for its vibrant culture, including traditional markets, cafes, and restaurants. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era