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:

  1. Very beautiful mosaics and an interesting history.

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  2. 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.

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  3. Architecture and history of this church is very interesting.

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

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  5. Such beautiful interiors. Stunning!
    Great post.

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

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  7. Anonymous1/12/09

    Awesome pictures my friend :)

    Rabbit, rabbit

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

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

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

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  11. Fabulous church - and I love that mosaic!

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

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  13. Thanks for sharing more pics.

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  14. 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!!

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

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  16. Really beautiful pictures - and the church is beautifully kept

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