The Hanging Church is located in the Coptic Quarter. It was founded in the 1st century, in honor and dedication to the Virgin Mary, it is also called the Church of St. Mary or the church of Al-Muallaqa.
The Hanging Church
The Hanging or Suspended Church is so-called as it is built on top of the Water Gate of Roman Babylon. Parishioners still visit it to hear mass and pray before a collection of saints’ relics and an icon of the Virgin Mary.
This church, which was founded in the 1st century, is also called the Church of St. Mary or the Church of Al-Muallaqa.
Where is the Hanging Church located?
The Hanging Church is located in the Coptic Quarter which in turn is located in Old Cairo. The Coptic Quarter is the heart of Egypt’s indigenous Christian community. A haven of peace and tranquility with a rich and interesting history.
South of the Coptic Museum, on Sharia Mar Girgis (the main street parallel to the metro), a stone façade with Arabic and Coptic inscriptions marks the entrance to the Hanging Church.
Archaeologists have found there the remains of a small settlement on the banks of the Nile River dating back to the 6th century BC. In the 2nd century, the Romans established a fortress called “Babylon in Egypt”. The name Babylon likely comes from a Roman version.
This place resembles some areas of the ancient city of Jerusalem.
Why was the Hanging Church built?
It was built in honor of and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Facts about the Hanging Church
- The entrance is with steep stairs of 29 steps leading to a 19th-century facade crowned by two bell towers. In a small inner courtyard, there are recorded ceremonial vendors and videos of Shenouda III, the Coptic pope.
- The interior of the church has 3 arched naves with a wooden ceiling that resembles an upside-down ark. Several ivory inlaid doors conceal the altar and boast elaborate geometric designs, distinguishable from the Islamic ones only by their tiny crosses.
- Inside the church, there are several important parts, most notably the marble pulpit (used on Palm Sunday) dating from the 13th century and 13 pillars depicting the apostles with Jesus. The church is 23.5 meters long, 18.5 meters wide, and 9.5 meters high.
- Near the altar, 13 slender columns are representing Christ and his disciples, one of the columns, darker than the rest, is said to symbolize Judas. In the baptistery or chapel. On the right-hand side, a panel is detached from the floor to show the door of the Water, located below.
- The present front part of the hanging church was added in the 19th century, although at the back, after a small courtyard, you can still see the exterior portico dating from the 11th century.
Come and visit this wonderful place and live an unforgettable experience with an English-speaking guide. Gate 2 Egypt will help you visit this and other fascinating places to enjoy the adventure. Book now with us!
