The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Cairo

The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, also known as Abu Serga, is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Cairo. It is dedicated to two Syrian soldier saints who were martyred during the reign of the Roman Emperor Maximian.

The church is especially important because of its connection with the Holy Family. According to tradition, Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus rested here after fleeing to Egypt from King Herod. The church itself dates back to the 5th century, although much of the building you see today comes from the 8th century.

Architecturally, Abu Serga follows the traditional basilica plan, with a narthex, a central nave, and two side aisles. Look along either side and you will see twelve columns arranged in two rows of six. Eleven are made of white marble, while one is of red granite. In front of the central sanctuary, look closely at the iconostasis. Its oldest sections date from around the 13th century and are decorated with carved wooden panels and delicate ebony-and-ivory inlay.

The most important stop, however, lies beneath the sanctuary. A staircase from the southern side leads down into the crypt traditionally believed to have sheltered the Holy Family. The small underground chamber measures roughly six by five meters and is divided by slender columns and arches into a central space with side passages.

After crossing the crypt, another staircase leads upward toward the northern sanctuary. Near this side is a well traditionally associated with the Holy Family and said to have provided water during their stay. Access to the crypt can occasionally be restricted.