Tuesday, December 01, 2009

THE COPTIC CHURCH IN CAIRO

When we were in Cairo we also visited the Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, also known as the Hanging Church . It is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and the history of a church on this site dates to the 3rd century A.D.

The Hanging Church is named for its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Old Cairo. Its nave is suspended over a passage.

It was probably built during the patriarchate of Isaac (690-92). The earliest mention of the church was a statement in the biography of the patriarch Joseph I (831-49).

The church looked very impressive !

at the entrance a souvenir shop, as all churches in the world they need money !

Beautiful mosaic work everywhere

The way of the holy family through Egypt

and they lived here

The ceiling looked very special it's made out of ebony inlaid with ivory.

what is behind there ? There were people praying

people chatting

the courtyard

and a beautiful parc

You can read a more detailed description of the Hanging Church (Wikipedia) ,the history and the explanation of all the treasures you can see in there. .

16 comments:

Loree said...

Very beautiful mosaics and an interesting history.

Wolynski said...

What a beautiful church and lovely photos. It doesn't look that old, but probably they kept adding over the centuries.
You certainly do get around a lot.

Rajesh said...

Architecture and history of this church is very interesting.

Maia said...

Beautiful post,your photos are a great guide to see all these beauties.
What an amazing architecture and interior.

Indrani said...

Such beautiful interiors. Stunning!
Great post.

Amanda Moore said...

Wow Gattina,
more amazing vaca shots, these are so special I particularly like the wall with the inlaid ebony very lovely!

Anonymous said...

Awesome pictures my friend :)

Rabbit, rabbit

Melli said...

You are soooooo lucky! I would LOVE to go there!

Dr.John said...

That was a wonderful tour. Now I have to go and look up the history.

Happily Retired Gal said...

Thanks for the virtual tour. I do enjoy all your travel photos ;-)
Hugs and blessings,

LadyFi said...

Fabulous church - and I love that mosaic!

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful church and wonderful photos. I lvoe the mosaics. Thanks for taking us on a tour inside the church.

Gracie said...

Thanks for sharing more pics.

GMG said...

Hi Gattina! Wonderful post, as usual! It's amazing the story of the nave being suspended...
There is a weird (Hanging) bridge waiting for you at Blogtrotter. Enjoy and have a great weekend!!

Cezar and Léia said...

Dear Gattina,
Your pictures are magnificent!
Thanks so much for sharing, this Church is fabulous!
Hugs
Léia and Luna ( We love LUNA )

Kat said...

Really beautiful pictures - and the church is beautifully kept

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I love writing, traveling and photography. . I am German, married to an Italian and we live in Waterloo (15 km from Brussels) / Belgium since many years. Waterloo is a famous place to many tourists, because Napoleon lost his battle here against Wellington and other European countries.

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