⛪ Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church)
Egypt
About This Sacred Site
The Hanging Church, officially the Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Egypt, dating to the 3rd or 4th century CE. Located in Coptic Cairo, the church is called 'hanging' because its nave is suspended above the gatehouse of the Roman Babylon Fortress, with the floor hovering over the passage below. The interior features a beautiful wooden roof shaped like an inverted ark, 13 ornately decorated pillars representing Christ and the 12 apostles, and a collection of over 100 icons, some dating to the 8th century. The church served as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch from the 7th to the 13th century.
Key Facts
- •Built above the gatehouse of the Roman Babylon Fortress, hence the name 'Hanging'
- •One of the oldest churches in Egypt, dating to the 3rd or 4th century CE
- •Contains over 100 icons, some dating to the 8th century
- •Served as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch for six centuries
- •The 13 pillars in the nave represent Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles
Location
Coordinates: 30.0053, 31.2308
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