El Muallaqa Church
El Muallaqa Church
El Muallaqa Church (Mar Girgis Metro Station, Cairo) – The hanging church is considered the most famous Coptic church in old Cairo . Its name derived from the fact of being built over the ruins of the Roman bastion (Babylon Fortess), visible at the back of the church. The church probably dates from the 7th century, although some Cops claim it’s older. The earliest mention of the church came during the reign of Patriarch Joseph, when he referred to the destruction of the church’s upper section down to the columns on the orders of the Governor of Egypt.
It was built to be dedicated to Virgin Mary as in the eastern part of the church stand three sanctuaries dedicated to the Virgin Mary (centre), Saint John the Baptist (right) and Saint George (left). These sanctuaries are fronted by wooden screens. The dark interior is magnificent, with cedar paneling, a wooden Ark-like ceiling, a fine carved marble pulpit supported by 12 pillars representing the Apostles, and superb 13th century panels inlaid with bone and ivory hiding the three haikals (altars). A famous wooden lintel showing Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem was found at Al-Mo’allaqa; it dates from the 5th/6th century. Coptic Cairo is also home to Church of St Sergius, Church of St George, Convent of St George, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Al Fustat and Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas.