The Hanging Church

Hanging Church 

A historical and architectural masterpiece in the center of Cairo

The Hanging Church is one of the oldest and most famous Coptic Orthodox churches in Egypt, located in Cairo's Old Cairo neighbourhood.

It is characterized by its unique location above the gate of the Roman fortress Babylon, which is why it is called the Hanging Church. This church is a symbol of Coptic heritage and a witness to a long history of challenges and achievements.

History of the Hanging Church

Origins and Foundation

The origins of the Hanging Church date back to the third century AD, as it was built on the ruins of one of the towers of the Roman fortress, which was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD).

The church is believed to have been founded during the fourth or fifth century AD, and through the ages it has remained an important religious centre for Christians in Egypt.

The Roman citadel in Coptic Cairo had its nave hanging over a passageway, and the church was approached by twenty-nine steps; early travellers to Cairo called it the Church of the Stairs. The ground surface has risen by about six meters since Roman times, so most of the Roman tower is buried underground, reducing the visual impact of the church's elevated site.

The Roman citadel in Coptic Cairo had its nave hanging over a passageway, and the church was approached by twenty-nine steps; early travellers to Cairo called it the Church of the Stairs. The ground surface has risen by about six meters since Roman times, so most of the Roman tower is buried underground, reducing the visual impact of the church's elevated site.

Historical and Religious Role

The church was the seat of the Coptic Orthodox patriarch from the seventh to the thirteenth century, where a number of patriarchs lived.

The church witnessed many important historical events, especially during the periods when Copts were persecuted and served as a shelter for them.

It was visited by many Arab travellers and historians, like Al-Maqrizi, who described it as one of the greatest churches in Egypt.

The church was rebuilt several times during the Islamic era, once during the caliphate of Harun al-Rashid, when Patriarch Bishop Mark asked the governor for permission to renovate the church. During the reign of Al-Aziz Bellah, who

authorized Patriarch Ephrem the Syriac to renovate all the churches of Egypt and repair what was destroyed, and a third time during the reign of Al-Zahir to promote the religion of God.

It was the seat of many popes since the eleventh century, and Patriarch Christodoulos was the first to take the Hanging Church as the seat of the Pope of Alexandria, and a few patriarchs were buried in it in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and there are still pictures and icons of them in the church lit by candles, and trials of priests, bishops, and heretics were held in it as well. It is considered an important shrine for Copts because of its historical antiquity, the place's association with the Holy Family, and its presence among churches and monasteries.

Architecture

Construction and Planning

The Hanging Church has a unique architectural design that combines Byzantine and ancient Coptic styles.

The church is located on the western side of Saint George's Street and is two stories. In front of it, there is a fountain, and it was built in the famous basilica style, consisting of 3 wings, a front hall, and a structure distributed in 3 parts. It is rectangular and relatively small; its dimensions are about 23.5 meters in length, 18.5 meters in width, and 9.5 meters in height. It consists of a main nave and two small wings, with eight columns on each side, and between the nave and the north wing is a row of three columns with large pointed arches, and the columns separating the wings are marble, except for one of black basalt.

The church houses a large number of antique icons, numbering about 110, the oldest of which dates back to the eighth century AD.

Its walls and ceiling feature intricate wooden decorations in the shape of a ship, symbolizing Noah's Ark..

The main altar has a 12th-century ebony and ivory veil with intricate carvings depicting religious scenes.

The main structure

Structure: It includes three main altars dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and St. John the Baptist.

Secret passage: The church is said to have secret underground passageways that were used to escape during periods of persecution.

The Holy Well: Located inside the church, it is believed to have been used in ancient times as a source of blessed water.

Wooden pulpit: It dates back to the Middle Ages and is one of the oldest pulpits in Coptic churches.

The Hanging Church in modern times

The church has undergone several restorations over the centuries to preserve its unique structure, most recently in the late 20th century.

Today, it is a prominent tourist and religious shrine, with thousands of tourists visiting it annually from around the world.

Coptic religious services and ceremonies are still held here, reinforcing its spiritual and cultural role in Egyptian society.