Hanging Church

No trip to historic Cairo feels complete without visiting the Hanging Church, but a little planning goes a long way. The landmark welcomes everyone—from families with strollers to solo explorers–but the crowds can swell, especially on religious holidays and weekends. Expect a short security check at the entrance. Tickets aren’t required for visitors, but donations are always appreciated. Early mornings often provide a quieter atmosphere and softer light for photos. Although the interior stays cool, the courtyard bakes under midday sun, so consider the weather before heading out.

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, especially from November to April for cooler weather
• How to get there: Metro (Mar Girgis station) sits just steps from the church; taxis from downtown Cairo arrive in about 20–30 minutes
• Accessibility: Entrance ramp accommodates strollers and wheelchairs, but some interior steps may be challenging
• Average visit duration: 45–90 minutes, longer if exploring nearby Coptic Cairo sites

Wandering the Hanging Church reveals details that reward a patient eye. Arched doorways open to a nave lined with lanterns and marble columns—many repurposed from older ruins. The main altar screen, inlaid with ebony and ivory, dazzles with its geometric patterns and painted icons. Upstairs, glass floor panels give glimpses of the Roman fortress foundations below. Secreted away in a quiet side chamber rests the church’s oldest icons, some dating back to the 8th century. Don’t leave without stepping into the courtyard, ringed by ancient walls and carved inscriptions, or pausing where sunlight spills through vibrant colored windows. Local parishioners are often happy to share a bit of history, especially after services.

• Key sights: Main altar screen, glass floor windows, fortress ruins beneath the church
• Unique experiences: Attending a liturgy for haunting Coptic hymns, exploring the mosaic-lined baptistery, tracing carvings on 13 pillars said to represent the 12 apostles plus Jesus
• Photo-worthy locations: Sky-lit courtyard, balcony above the nave, arched east window glowing in afternoon sun
• Cultural facts: The site is a pilgrimage destination for Copts; the church survived multiple reconstructions since the 3rd century