Hanging Church

Contrary to what its name might imply, The Hanging Church, also known as Al Moallaqa, is not hung from anything. The church looks to be suspended in midair as a result of its peculiar location, a sight that was even more impressive when it was first built and the ground level was much lower than it is today.

It is situated in Old Coptic Cairo (Masr al-Qadima), in what was Heliopolis Nome in ancient Egypt, not far from the well-known Babylon Fortress. Because it was built over the entrances to a former Roman fortification, it got its unusual name.

The church is significant for being one of the first buildings in Egypt to be built in the style of a basilica. It has a number of unique architectural features as well as historical and religious value.



Two bell towers are located above the church, which is shaped generally like Noah's ark. the Virgin Mary, Archangel Gabriel, St. Peter on the left, John the Baptist, Archangel Michael, and St. Paul on the right are among the magnificent icons that adorn the wooden screen. The throned Jesus is also depicted in the middle. The porch, constructed in the eleventh century, has amazingly lasted centuries of foot traffic. the Virgin Mary, Archangel Gabriel, St. Peter on the left, John the Baptist, Archangel Michael, and St. Paul on the right are among the magnificent icons that adorn the wooden screen. The throned Jesus is also depicted in the middle.

Because of the decision taken by Pope Christodolos, succeeding patriarchs were elected, installed, and even buried in the Hanging Church.