The origin of the monastery remains obscure but is alleged to date from the 7th century.  What attracts people’s eyes today is the giant 7.6 meters door in the main hall of the monastery that leads to the interior of the complex. Off the main hall is a room set aside as a shrine, it contains the chains that were placed on St. George as part of the tortures to which he was sentenced after his trial under the Persian King Dadianos.

Photo: Coptic Cairo, the courtyard and the entrance to the convent.

Photo: Coptic Cairo, entrance to the chapel.

Photo: Coptic Cairo, the huge door in the main hall.

Photo: Coptic Cairo, the faithful praying inside the shrine.

Photo: Coptic Cairo, chains believed to once cuffed St. George.