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Coptic Cairo

  • Cairo, Cairo Governate, Egypt

Last updated: 28 April, 2024

The Coptic Church is among the oldest churches of Christianity and was started in Egypt.

This small complex/enclave in Old Cairo, founded in the 6th century, was a stronghold for Christianity in Egypt both before and during the Islamic era. Today it encompasses numerous historical sites relating to the period, including the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St George and many other Coptic churches, all housing Coptic artefacts.

It’s a pilgrimage site for Christians and a significant cultural landmark, offering a glimpse into the early Christian roots of Egypt.

Recommendations

1

Coptic Museum

  • Cairo, Cairo Governate, Egypt

Building of Coptic Museum in Coptic Cairo, Egypt with the largest collection of Egyptian Christian artifacts in the world. Founded by Marcus Simaika in 1908.

Experience

For lovers of religious art, this endearing museum in the Coptic Cairo complex houses Coptic art from the earliest days of Christianity in Egypt right through to early Islam. Wander rooms filled with 1200 frescoes, textiles, manuscripts, embroidery and sculptures.

Adult price: £5

Good for age: 18+

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

To visit Coptic Cairo, start at the Mar Girgis metro station and explore on foot. Dress modestly out of respect for the religious sites. Allow 1-2 hours.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, seven days a week.

Who to go with: organised tours

8

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Cairo

Dive into the historically-rich neighborhoods of Coptic and Islamic Cairo with our Full Day Tour. This tour starts with an organized hotel pickup that whisks you away in the comfort of private transportation. Witness the significant landmarks of Coptic Cairo, including churches and monuments that radiate ancient charm. Then, move on to Islamic Cairo, where stunning mosques and architectural wonders will leave you awe-struck. After a day filled with exploration, relax as you're safely dropped back at your hotel. Enjoy convenient access to bottled water during your tour, facilitating a worry-free sightseeing expedition.

Price $35

Min age 0

Rating 4.57 / 5 [137 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cairo

Visit Cairo’s essential historic destinations on a full-day tour with an experienced guide. Browse the vast collections at the Egyptian Museum, and learn the stories behind the royal mummies, gilded masks and exquisite artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures. then explore the Coptic and Jewish landmarks of old Cairo, from the crypt below Abu Serga to the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Finish your tour in Cairo’s vibrant present, browsing the bright displays of handicrafts, perfumes and souvenirs at Khan El Khalili bazaar.

Price $35

Min age 6

Rating 4.88 / 5 [94 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cairo

Visit El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church, or the Monastery of St Simon, on a private tour that also explores the magnificent churches of Coptic Cairo. You’ll see some of Cairo’s most important Christian sites, including the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, the Church of Saint Barbara, and the Hanging Church, while going beyond sightseeing for a glimpse of ‘garbage city,’ a fascinating Cairo neighborhood that most visitors overlook entirely.

Price $25

Min age 6

Rating 4.67 / 5 [76 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cairo

Embark on a remarkable journey through the rich history and culture of Egypt with our Islamic and Coptic Cairo Day Tour. This comprehensive day tour offers you an opportunity to discover the harmonious blend of ancient Islamic and Coptic traditions in Cairo. In the company of a professional guide, you will explore the awe-inspiring architecture of mosques and churches, delve into the local lifestyle, and uncover the captivating history that shapes the city's uniquely diverse identity. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Cairo's multifaceted culture and history on this immersive full-day tour.

Price $35

Min age 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [74 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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