Built above one of the fortress towers of the Babylon, the Church of St. George is a Greek Orthodox church in Coptic Cairo. It was originally built in the 7th century, but the current structure was rebuilt following a 1904 fire. St. George is the only round church in Egypt, but unlike the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre and its many imitators, this is only for practical reasons – it is built atop the foundations of a Roman round tower.
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Abu Serga
The Church of St. Sergius and St Bacchus, or Abu Serga in Arabic, is among the most ancient churches in Old Cairo. It is built over the traditional site of a cave said to have sheltered the Holy Family during their sojourn in the area.
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The Hanging Church
Called by the name of the Hanging Church, the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Coptic Cairo enjoys a popularity among both Copts and tourists. It was named the Hanging Church, or al-Muallaqa in Arabic, due to its location above the ancient Babylon fortress. The other names for the same complex are the Church of Steps, for people have to climb a flight of stairs before reaching the gate of the church; the Church of the Column, for it was reported that the Virgin Mary herself appeared to the faithful on one of the columns of the church in response to their supplications.
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Fortress of Babylon
Although the date and the etymology of this defending structure remain disputed, one thing for sure is that in the age of Augustus the Deltaic Babylon already became a town of some importance, and was the headquarters of the three legions which ensured the obedience of Egypt.
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The Coptic Museum
The Coptic Museum occupies an area of 8000 m2, buildings and garden included. Ever since the founder initiated the project, the Coptic community has been active in filling it with precious and rare pieces. Members of the community have sent icons, cloths, manuscripts, priestly garments, frescoes, and wooden panels. Painted wooden ceilings and marble fountains were collected from old Coptic palaces.
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