The Hanging Church: Cairo’s Church Built Over a Roman Fortress

A Deep and Enduring History: A Gem of Old Cairo

The Hanging Church has a long history, with origins that may date back to the 3rd or 4th century. However, they largely rebuilt its current structure in the 11th century. The church dedicates itself to the Virgin Mary and holds a special place in the hearts of Coptic Christians. It served as the seat of the Coptic Pope for several centuries, from the 7th to the 13th century, consequently making it a central point for the Coptic Orthodox Church. The church’s history is deeply intertwined with ancient Roman and early Christian life in Egypt. Its foundation on the Roman fortress gives it a unique connection to the past. It also links to the story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt.

The Hanging Church is also associated with the famous miracle of moving the Mokattam Mountain. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to Pope Abraham, the 62nd Coptic Patriarch, in a vision within the church. She guided him to a one-eyed tanner named Simon, who helped him perform a miracle that proved the strength of Christian faith to a Fatimid Caliph. This profound event, as a result, cemented the church’s spiritual importance.