Old Cairo Coptic

The oldest area of Cairo includes mosques, churches, synagogues, and a Roman fortress, with a great diversity within one area. Originally, the Coptic community lived within the Roman fortress of Babylon, established  in 98 AD by the Roman emperor Trajan, where the Nile would have reached the fort. Its remains are Cairo’s oldest original structure. The Hanging Church, which dates back to the 4th century and got its name from being built over one of the bastions of the fortress of Babylon, The Abu Serga church was built in the 11th century, incorporating 5th century pillars, over a cave (still visible) where it is believed the Holy family found refuge when they came to Egypt to escape persecution by the Roman ruler. The Ben Ezra Synagogue is Cairo’s oldest surviving synagogue. The beautiful 9th-century building was previously a 4th-century Christian church. It is believed to be situated where Moses was found in a basket by a daughter of a pharaoh. The Coptic museum includes masterpieces of Coptic art from the beginnings of Christianity in Egypt.
Other significant sights in the area include the Greek Orthodox monastery and church of Saint George. Nearby is the site of Fustat, Egypt’s first Islamic settlement, where little remains except for Amr Ibn Al’As mosque, which was the first mosque built in Egypt.