The Greek Church of St. George, Cairo

The Greek Church of Saint George is one of the most distinctive churches in Coptic Cairo, easily recognized by its large, round shape. It serves as the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria.

According to tradition, the first church here was built in 684 by a wealthy scribe named Athanasius. The building you see today is much more recent, dating from 1904, and is connected to the nearby Monastery of Saint George. The site is closely associated with Saint George, who is believed to have been imprisoned and martyred nearby. For centuries, the church was Coptic, before becoming Greek Orthodox in the 15th century.

Before going inside, pause near the top and look at the façade, where a relief shows Saint George as a Roman soldier on horseback, driving his spear into the dragon. Once through the entrance, step into the center of the church to appreciate its unusual circular plan. Eight columns form a ring around the interior, supporting the arches and the large dome above. From the center, first look straight ahead toward the sanctuary. The tall iconostasis, or screen separating the altar from the main body of the church, dominates this side of the interior.

As you move around the circular interior, notice the numerous images of Saint George, particularly those showing him on horseback defeating the dragon. On the south side of the church, a small staircase leads toward the lower levels built into the ancient Roman tower beneath the rotunda; some of these lower areas may not always be open to visitors. The wider monastery complex also preserves spaces associated with the long tradition of Saint George, including a historic Wedding Hall, and a chapel where an iron chain traditionally connected with the saint is venerated. These are part of the monastery rather than the main circular church, so access can vary.