A Day in the Coptic Quarter and the churches of Mokattam

Giza , Egypt

A Day in the Coptic Quarter and the churches of Mokattam

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(6 reviews)

6h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour consists of recounting the stories and miracles that took place in the churches of Cairo, moving from one site to another in chronological order.

During this journey, you will learn why the Virgin Mary appeared to the Coptic Pope at that time and what she asked him to do. You will also discover what happened to the Mokattam Mountain after three days of Coptic prayers.

Available options

a day in the Coptic district of Cairo

Duration: 6 hours<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

An Egyptologist guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Hanging Church is named for its location above a gatehouse of the Fortress of Babylon, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo); its nave is suspended above a passage. The church is approached by twenty-nine steps; early travelers to Cairo nicknamed it "the Church of the Staircase" The land area has increased by about six meters since the Roman period, so the Roman tower is mostly buried under the ground, reducing the visual impact of the elevated position of the church
Entrance from the street is through iron gates under a pointed stone arch. The 19th century facade with twin steeples can then be seen beyond a narrow courtyard decorated with modern art biblical motifs. Up the steps and across the entrance is another small courtyard leading to the outside 11th century porch.
After that you will visit the Coptic The Coptic Museum is a museum in Coptic Cairo, Egypt,

Stop 2

The church is dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus, who were holy soldiers martyred in the 4th century in Syria by the Roman Emperor Maximian. The most interesting feature is the crypt where Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus are said to have rested. The crypt is 10 meters deep and when Nile levels are high it is often flooded.[1]

The church was built in the 4th century and was probably completed in the 5th century. It was burnt down in the fire of Fustat during the reign of Marwan II around 750. It was later restored during the 8th century, and has been rebuilt and restored constantly since medieval times; however, it is still considered a model of early Coptic churches. Again, the most valuable and oldest icons are on the south wall. A large central room is divided into three naves by two rows of pilasters.

Stop 3

Once you enter the Mokattam Mountain area and get closer to the Abagya area, your eyes will lead to one of the rarest architectural artifacts carved in the heart of the Mokattam Mountain, the Tanner Monastery, one of the creative signs of the mountain. The high mountain blends into the distinctive architecture in which the Saint-Simon le Tanneur monastery was built and has become a site of worldwide visitation by a large number of tourists from all over the world.

Stop 4

it is, in fact, inside the Roman tower which adjoins the Coptic museum, the church of the convent of Saint George, of the Greek Orthodox faith, which is only a few meters away from it. The monastery was founded at the end of the 7th century and at the beginning of the 8th century. Since the beginning of the 19th century, it has been the residence of the patriarchs of Alexandria and of the entire African continent: in fact, it is not open to the public. Saint George became a martyr in the 4th century when he was allegedly beheaded for refusing to renounce his faith.

Here you feel as if you are looking at a painting and not a place that contains the last remains of man, different shapes, including rectangles, some of which appear to be three-dimensional, and some of which are surmounted by statues of angels, and others contain photographs of the bodies inside.
The tombs were built in St. George's Monastery on the Greek heritage, and on the architectural style of the Hellenistic civilization.
The Greek tombs in ancient Egypt include the bodies of influential and prominent figures in Egyptian and Greek society, forming the most beautiful thing that the eye can see despite its sad meaning.

What's not included

Dinner

Breakfast

Coffee and/or Tea

Alcoholic Beverages

Brunch

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Giza

Giza, home to the iconic Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, is a city steeped in ancient history and modern intrigue. Just a short distance from Cairo, Giza offers a blend of ancient wonders and bustling urban life, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Top Attractions

Great Pyramids of Giza

The iconic Great Pyramids, including the Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure, are the last standing wonders of the ancient world.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Great Sphinx of Giza

The enigmatic Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, is a symbol of ancient Egypt and a must-see attraction.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Solar Boat Museum

This museum houses the reconstructed solar boat of Pharaoh Khufu, discovered near the Great Pyramid.

Historical 1 hour Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Saqqara

Saqqara is an ancient burial ground and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Dahshur

Dahshur is an ancient royal necropolis featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fees apply)

Camel Market

The Camel Market is a unique and bustling market where you can see and buy camels, as well as experience traditional Egyptian commerce.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (Purchases extra)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Koshari

A hearty dish made with lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.

Dinner Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Breakfast Vegan

Grilled Kofta

Spiced minced meat (usually lamb or beef) shaped into sausages and grilled to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Molokhia

A green leafy vegetable soup, often served with chicken or rabbit and eaten with bread.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian (if made without meat)

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides over the pyramids Quad biking in the desert Spa treatments Beach visits in Alexandria Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional Egyptian performances Boat tours on the Nile Visiting historical sites during the cooler months

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the ancient sites.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Giza is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Avoid accepting help from strangers, especially at tourist sites.
• Use reputable tour companies and guides.

Getting there

By air

Cairo International Airport • 25 km from Giza

By train

Giza Station

By bus

Giza Bus Station, Downtown Cairo Terminals

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Giza. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Pyramids Road Downtown Giza Haram

Day trips

Cairo

20 km • Half day to full day

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant city with a rich history and numerous attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, and Coptic Cairo.

Saqqara

20 km • Half day to full day

Saqqara is an ancient burial ground and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.

Dahshur

30 km • Half day to full day

Dahshur is an ancient royal necropolis featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.

Festivals

Cairo International Film Festival • November (dates vary) Eid al-Fitr • End of Ramadan (dates vary) Coptic Christmas • January 7

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the ancient sites and their significance.
Visit the pyramids early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the intense heat.
Bargain politely but firmly when shopping at markets and souks.
Carry small bills and coins for easier transactions, as change can be hard to come by.
Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture.