Hanging Church

One of the oldest Christian churches in the world — the Hanging Church in Old Cairo dates to the 3rd century and remains an active pilgrimage site.

The Hanging Church — Arabic Al-Muallaqah, the suspended one — is one of the oldest and most sacred churches in Egypt. Located in the Coptic quarter of Old Cairo, it rests above the gatehouse towers of the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon, which gives it its unusual nickname: the church naves appear to hang in mid-air. The history of a church on this site stretches back to the 3rd century, with the current structure dating largely from the 7th century. Inside, carved wooden galleries, magnificent icons and an ivory and ebony iconostasis are particularly impressive. The church remains an active congregation and is simultaneously one of the most visited Christian shrines in the Middle East.