Old Cairo is often overlooked whenever travelers come to visit the ancient land of Egypt. People care to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and other sites like Khan El Khalili and tend to miss things like the historic Old Cairo Tour and the Saladin Citadel.

As you all probably know, Curls en Route turned 1 on Friday the 21st of June. So, in celebration of this special milestone, I hosted an alternative walking tour in Old Cairo in an attempt to shed light on an overlooked hidden gem. But for starters, let’s get to know more about Old Cairo.

About the Old Cairo Tour

Also known as Coptic Cairo, as well as Fustat, Old Cairo holds a great historical and religious heritage. Dating back to the 6th Century BC, it’s the oldest part of present-day Cairo. There lies the Religious Complex, where all three Abrahamic religions meet.

Why “Coptic Cairo”?

It’s believed that this is where the holy family have taken shelter as they fled to Egypt. So, by visiting, you’d be seeing parts of the famed Holy Family trail. The Christian city used to be home to as many as 20 churches, five of which are still standing to this day.

Why “Fustat”?

That is in reference to Fustat, the old capital’ name which was the first Egyptian capital under Muslim rule.

Old Cairo Tour Breakdown

So, what to expect to see and visit? Here’s a breakdown of the available monuments and sites for the ultimate Old Cairo tour.

The Coptic Museum

The museum documents the everyday life of the Egyptian Coptic Christian era. It houses a collection of around 16,000 pieces, ranging between textiles, manuscripts, stonework, woodwork, and more.

The Hanging Church

The church goes by this name as it’s built on top of the southern tower gate of the Babylon Fortress with its nave suspended above the passage, hence, “hanging”.

Inside the church, you can find 12 different pillars that symbolize the 12 disciples. Another large pillar that’ll draw your attention is one displaying the picture of Virgin Mary. It is said that this picture wasn’t drawn by anyone; a light was seen there and he picture was printed on the pillar afterwards.

The Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga)

The 4th Century church, named after two early martyrs, is believed to be built on top of the place where the Holy Family has taken shelter.

Saint Barbara Church

The legend says that Saint Barbara was a beautiful lady, who was daughter of a wealthy nobleman and merchant named Djoscorus. Her father built a marvelous tower to protect his daughter from the growing influence of Christianity. However, as he traveled on business trips, she converted to Christianity and when he found out, he ordered for her to be tortured. She eventually died, refusing to deny Christ and the church located in Old Cairo was built in her honor.

Saint George Church (Mar Girgis)

The Greek Church of Saint George is one of a few round churches still standing to this day in the East, and the only one in Egypt. It was originally built in the 7th century but was rebuilt post a 1904 fire.

Kasriet El Rihan Church

Translating to The Church of the Pot of Basil, it is still unknown where it has gotten its name from. It is thought that maybe since basil is used in the blessing of water in the Greek Orthodox church, pots of basil might have been cultivated there. Another story suggests that maybe it’s a metaphor for the Virgin.

Ben Ezra Synagogue (The Jew Temple)

Ben Ezra is the oldest Jewish temple in Cairo, dating back to the 9th Century AD. It is believed that the synagogue was built where Jeremiah Temple was built. Another story says that it was built where baby Moses was found.

Babylon Fortress

When the Romans inhabited Egypt, they built a fortress named Babylon, and parts of it are still there. Emperor Trajan ordered the construction of it in the 2nd Century AD, while Emperor Arcadius ordered for its fortification and expansion in the 4th Century AD.

Amr Ibn El A’as Mosque

This is the very first mosque that was ever built in Egypt and the entire African continent. It was built by the Commander of Muslim Army, Amr Ibn El A’as in 642 AD, when Muslims conquered Egypt.

How to Get There?

Take the metro

The metro in Cairo is actually pretty safe. There are lots of new cars that are clean and air conditioned. Also, it’s only crowded during rush hours and there are cars specialized for ladies only till as late as 9 pm.

A metro ticket will either cost you EGP 3, EGP 5, or EGP 10, depending on the distance you’re covering. You’ll make a stop at Mar Girgis station.

Download ride-hailing apps

Taxis in Cairo are normally a rip off, that’s why ride-hailing apps are a much better alternative from my opinion. You can download Uber or Careem.

General Tips for the Old Cairo Tour

• Try to arrive as early as possible. There’s a lot to see. You don’t want to miss anything. You can visit from 9 am to 4 pm.
• Have breakfast prior to the tour and carry a water bottle. There’s lots of walking included, so you need to stay hydrated and powered up.
• Bring a hat/sunglasses and apply sunscreen. Cairo’s weather is pretty hot, especially in the summer.
• Dress modestly. Avoid wearing shorts or skirts as you’ll be visiting holy sites.

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You might also like:

• The Saladin Citadel: A Cairo Day Tour You Can’t Miss
• Wadi Degla Protectorate: Cairo’s Hidden Gem

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