Old Cairo & The Hanging Church
A UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Lunch
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Transfers
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Guide
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$120pp
Adults (Up to 2) ≥ 17yrs
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$100pp
Groups 3-5 adults
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$90pp
Groups ≥ 6 adults
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$60pp
Child 6 – 16.9 Yrs
Overview
Coptic CairoÂ
This experience will probably amaze you. That Moses was found in the reeds, at a site that you will visit today, or that Mary, Joseph and Jesus took refuge at the site, the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, make this a very special experience. But these events are, by themselves, footnotes in an incredibly rich history of events and people. Welcome to Coptic Cairo a part of Old Cairo.
The area includes Coptic Cairo, a walled enclave on the site of the partly preserved Babylon Fortress with the ancient fortress’s walls, towers and its gate still visible.
The area has a high concentration of historic Christian churches such as the Hanging Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, the Church of Santa Barbara, and other Christian buildings.
Evidence suggests that the Holy Family visited the area during the escape into Egypt as they sought refuge from Herod.  And it is understood that Christianity began to spread in Egypt when St. Mark arrived in Alexandria where he became the first Patriarch.
The Church of Saint Barbara and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus are also notable for being among Cairo’s oldest preserved churches, dating from the late 7th or early 8th century. The area also contains the Coptic Museum, which showcases the history of Coptic art from Greco-Roman to Islamic times, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest and best-known synagogue in Cairo, where the important collection of historic documents known as the Cairo Geniza were found in the 19th century.
The Coptic Church later separated from the church of the Romans and the Byzantines. During the reign of Arcadius (395-408), a number of churches were built in Old Cairo.
Gallery

Ancient Egyptian Research Association
One Horizon Africa is a member of AERA. AERA brings together archaeologists and specialists from around the world to address questions regarding the origin, nature, and development of the Egyptian state. By becoming a member of AERA you support the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and the survey, mapping, excavation, and the analysis of archaeological sites. We encourage everyone to become a member and support the work of AERA.
Itinerary
Your itinerary will have you visiting the following locations within Coptic Cairo which is an enclave within Old Cairo.  It is an area steeped in history and provides a fascinating insight into the history of change within Egypt.
What You Can Expect From This ExperienceÂ
- The places and events that have been an important part of Christianity have an impact on all those who come on this tour.
- The experience is a touchstone with history and in many ways, makes it all real
- The Babylon Fortress, Hanging Church and others are part of a rich history which weaves the influence of Christianity, Islam and Judaism in its earliest years. It is this history which people engage with and which is a great education for all.
- You will also understand why Egyptians are so proud of their history and heritage
You Will Be Visiting
The Babylon Fortress is an ancient Roman fortress formerly located on the east bank in an area known today as Old Cairo or Coptic Cairo. The fortress was built around 300 AD in order to protect the entrance to an ancient canal and it was a also a toll gate for passing traders.  It is in this area, once swampy and with marshes it has been noted that Moses was rescued from the bullrushes.
Coptic Cairo – The Hanging Church
Coptic Cairo has a concentration of Christian churches that date from the centuries between the decline of the pharaonic religion and the arrival of Islam when Egypt had a Christian majority.
The name ‘Hanging Church’ comes from the fact that it was built atop the walls of the 4th century BC Roman fortress. It is believed in Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church.
Coptic Cairo – Ben Ezra Synagogue
The Ben Ezra Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Cairo and was founded in the 9th century claiming to be where Moses was found in the reeds. It is supposedly where Mary drew water to wash Jesus. The synagogue’s storeroom was found to contain a treasure of forgotten sacred manuscripts known as the Geniza Collection. The Egyptian Prime Minister reopened the synagogue in 2023 following restorations
The Coptic Museum
The Museum showcases the history of Coptic art from Greco-Roman to Islamic times
Inclusions
This experience can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities. The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others.  Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.
- Pick up from your hotel and return (approx.)
- Water
- Lunch
- All entrance fees, service charge, current taxes, and vat.
- Services of an English-speaking guide
Exclusions
- Personal expenditure of any kind
- Tips
- Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)
Video
ARCHAEOLOGY 2.0
Dr Mark Lehner ranks amongst the most outstanding Egyptologists of the modern era. Within a select group of Egyptologists such as Petrie, Carter, Hawass and others, Mark has earned his international reputation based on over 40 years of conducting research and excavations in Egypt.  His discoveries, such as the workers village close to the Giza Pyramids, and his academic treatise and publications have contributed greatly to the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. Mark is also the founder of the Ancient Egyptians Research Associates (AERA) whose work includes training the next generation of Egyptian Egyptologists.
Within One Horizon, training our tour guides so that they provide our clients with the most factual, up to date and insightful information draws heavily from Mark’s 40 years of research, analysis and dedication. And so, our guides remain at the forefront of current learnings and knowledge that enhances our guests Egyptian experience with us.

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