Half-day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery
This tour includes visiting many churches located in Old Cairo that will reflect a great image of that epoch when the Holy Family was seeking a safe refuge and they found it in Egypt. Some of the churches are located upon a cave that was a residence for Virgin Mary and Jesus like the Church of Abo Serga, some others are connected to miracles and apparition of Virgin Marry like the Hanging Church. A unique Monastery of St. Simon, located in the Garbage City, will be visited. It is the biggest Monastery in the Middle East which is completely Carved in the mountain. It couldn't be found elsewhere in the world.
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Half-day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery
Pickup included
What's included in Half-day Tour to Old Cairo Churches and St. Simon Monastery
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
St Simon the Tanner Monastery
Embark on a unique journey to the St. Simon Monastery, a hidden gem in Cairo’s Mokattam Hills. Your drive takes you through Garbage City, a bustling, labyrinthine community where the Zabbaleen, Cairo’s informal garbage collectors, live and work. The streets are lined with stacks of recycled materials, vividly showcasing their remarkable recycling system. Though unconventional, the scene is one of resilience, ingenuity, and industry, offering a glimpse into a way of life unlike any other. As the road ascends the Mokattam cliffs,the transformation is striking. Upon reaching the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, you’ll be greeted by its awe-inspiring amphitheater, carved into the mountain, capable of hosting over 20,000 worshippers. The monastery is adorned with intricate carvings of biblical scenes etched into the rock, and its serene ambiance contrasts sharply with the lively chaos of Garbage City below. This tour offers a profound blend of human perseverance and spiritual tranquility.
Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-AsPass-by Only
As you pass by the Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, you’ll witness the grandeur of Egypt’s first mosque, built in 641 AD by the commander who introduced Islam to the country. This historic landmark, located in the heart of Old Cairo, stands as a testament to early Islamic architecture. Although it has undergone multiple renovations, the mosque retains its serene and modest charm. Its expansive courtyard, surrounded by elegant arcades with simple columns, creates a peaceful atmosphere. The mosque’s timeless design reflects the simplicity of early Islamic worship spaces, with an emphasis on functionality and community. While not as ornate as later mosques, its historical significance is unparalleled, marking the beginning of Islamic presence in Africa. As you admire it from the outside, you’ll sense its spiritual and cultural importance as a cornerstone of Cairo’s religious legacy.
Coptic Cairo
Embark on a spiritual journey through Old Cairo, beginning at the awe-inspiring St. Simon Monastery, nestled in the Mokattam Hills, known for its massive open-air amphitheater and intricate carvings. Continue to the Hanging Church, suspended above a Roman fortress, showcasing exquisite Coptic icons and woodwork. Nearby, visit St. Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga), believed to have sheltered the Holy Family, and descend into its sacred crypt. Next, explore the serene Church of St. Barbara, renowned for its relics and intricately carved wooden screens. A short walk leads to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, blending Jewish and Islamic artistry and tied to the discovery of the Cairo Geniza. Conclude with a glimpse of Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, the first mosque in Egypt, reflecting early Islamic architectural simplicity. This tour offers a harmonious blend of Coptic, Jewish, and Islamic history, weaving together the religious and cultural legacy of Cairo.
Inclusions
- Entry/Admission-St. Sergius and Bacchus
- Bottled Water
- Entry/Admission- Cave Church
- Entry/Admission- Hanging Church
- An Expert Egyptologist guide
- Entry/Admission- Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Entry/ admission of St. Simon Monastery
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Taxes & fees
- Hotel Pickup & drop-off
- Entry/ admission of St. Barbara Church
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
We will be more than happy to pick our customers up from the different hotels and residences in Cairo and Giza with an extra charge for those located outside the centre as in Nasr City, 6th October City, New Cairo, and the New Administrative Capital
