The Hanging Church, Cairo (must see)

The Hanging Church gets its name from being built above an old Roman gatehouse in Cairo. Its nave hangs over a passageway. The church's official name is Sitt Mariam, or Saint Mary's Church.

The Hanging Church is the best-known Coptic church in Cairo. The Coptic Church is one of the ancient Eastern Christian churches and historically had its seat in Alexandria. The Hanging Church was built in the 7th century, although it is believed that churches existed on the site as early as the 3rd or 4th century. It has been rebuilt several times, particularly in the 10th century under Patriarch Abraham.

As you approach the church, pass through the courtyard, where the walls are decorated with religious mosaics. Inside, look up at the curved wooden ceiling of the central nave, traditionally compared to the hull of Noah's Ark. On the left side of the nave stands the marble pulpit. At the eastern end of the church are three sanctuaries: the central one is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the left, or northern, sanctuary to Saint George, and the right, or southern, sanctuary to Saint John the Baptist.

As you look around the church, also pay attention to its large collection of Coptic icons. Some are centuries old and depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Apostles, and various saints, making them among the most important decorative features of the interior.

Before leaving, go through the doorway on the right-hand side of the church into the semicircular section built directly over one of the Roman gate's defensive towers. From the window here, look down at the ancient structure below - one of the clearest reminders of why this church became known as the Hanging Church.