Tucked away in the heart of Old Cairo, the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church) is one of Egypt’s most meaningful Christian landmarks. For more than 1,300 years, this remarkable sanctuary has stood as a place of prayer, resilience, and community.
What makes it truly special is the way it seems to float above the ground. Built on top of the southern gate of the ancient Babylon Fortress, the church appears “suspended,” which is how it earned its famous nickname.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Hanging Church has long been a spiritual home for Cairo’s Coptic community. For centuries, it even served as the official residence of the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria, making it one of the most important Christian sites in the Middle East.
After years of guiding visitors here, locals know that this church is more than just a stop on a tour. It’s a place where history, faith, and everyday life quietly come together. This guide will help you understand its story, plan your visit, and experience it with respect and depth.
The story of the Hanging Church stretches back nearly 2,000 years. Few places in Egypt show the endurance of faith and community as clearly as this one.
The church, known in Arabic as Al-Muʿallaqah (“The Suspended”), was founded in the late 3rd or early 4th century AD. This places it among the oldest Christian churches in Egypt.
Its most striking feature is its location. Instead of being built on open ground, it was constructed directly on top of the southern gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress. This unusual foundation created the raised appearance that still amazes visitors today.
In the early centuries of Christianity, this location offered protection. During times of Roman persecution, being inside a fortified complex helped shield worshippers. Some historical accounts even suggest that Christian soldiers stationed in the fortress helped protect the early community.
Over time, the Hanging Church became far more than just a place of worship.
Between the 7th and 13th centuries, it served as the main seat of the Coptic Patriarch. In 1047 AD, the patriarchal residence moved from Alexandria to Cairo, and the Hanging Church became the spiritual headquarters of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
For centuries, important events happened here:
The church also played a role in one of Egypt’s most famous Christian legends: the miracle of the Mokattam Mountain. According to tradition, Patriarch Abraham prayed here before the Virgin Mary’s icon, leading to a miraculous event that strengthened the Christian community’s position.
Over the centuries, it faced:
In 1997, Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities launched a major conservation project. This restoration lasted until 2011 and focused on stabilizing foundations, stopping water damage, and restoring icons and artwork with help from international specialists.
During this work, archaeologists made exciting discoveries, including parts of the original fortress gate, underground passages, and emergency stairways. These findings revealed how strategically important the site once was.
Despite centuries of political change, natural disasters, and social shifts, the Hanging Church has never lost its role as a spiritual home.
Knowing when and how to visit makes a big difference. A little planning can turn a quick stop into a meaningful experience.
The best time to visit Cairo is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable.
Winter (December–February) is especially pleasant. There are fewer tourists, and the church feels quieter and more peaceful.
For the best atmosphere, aim for early morning between 8:30 and 11:00 AM. At this time, sunlight filters through stained glass, and tour groups haven’t yet arrived.
Midday and weekends tend to be busier, especially with organized tours.
The Hanging Church is usually open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some days close to 4:00 PM).
Entry is completely free, which makes it accessible to everyone. Donations are welcome and help support maintenance.
If you’d like to attend a service:
The church is easy to reach by metro. The closest station is Mar Girgis on Line 1, right in Coptic Cairo.
This is an active place of worship, so respectful dress matters.
For men:
For women:
Photography is generally allowed, but no flash is permitted. Always ask before photographing people or clergy.
During services, visitors should stay toward the back and remain quiet. Phones should be silenced, and conversations kept to whispers.
The church is historic, and that means:
Expect about 30 minutes of walking and standing inside. Good balance and comfortable shoes are important, as marble floors can be slippery.
If you’re exploring the rest of Coptic Cairo, plan for 2–3 hours total.
Here’s what to remember before visiting the Hanging Church:
The Hanging Church offers a rare window into Egypt’s Christian heritage, combining ancient architecture, living faith, and deep historical meaning.