Coptic Cairo Samaan the Tanner Monastery Cairo

On the opposite side of the famous citadel of Saladin in old Cairo, The monastery and church of Samaan the tanner are located up in the Moqatan mountain. In this area, many churches were built in caves of these mountain rocks. The church is reached through Garbage City. A place where the Christian inhabitants collect the garbage of the city and sort it out. Once you arrive there. You will be instantly fascinated by the wall carvings of Mario, a Polish artist who did tens of these carvings out of the mountain rocks.

The main visit is to the monastery and church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St Simon. This church has an amphitheater that can hold 20,000 people. Enjoy taking pictures of the city from a hilltop after visiting all the chapels and churches. Following this visit, you will feel the relaxation of your soul when you go to Old Coptic Cairo. It is a very sacred and holy area as it contains 14 churches and a Jewish synagogue.

The tour starts with a visit to the Hanging Church, one of the most beautiful churches that were built in the 5th century. Consecrated to Virgin Mary, The church was built above one of the towers of the Fortress of Babylon. It has 110 beautiful icons and once was the seat of the Patriarch. Your guide will explain to you all about the church before moving to the Cavern church or the church of St Sergius and Bacchus. Thousands of visitors come annually to this church to visit the cave where Jesus the Baby and the Virgin Mary were hiding for 3 months during the journey of escape in Egypt. The religious tolerance in Egypt is embodied by your visit to the oldest Jewish temple in Cairo. This temple is among the other 11 synagogues in Egypt and is named after a merchant from Jerusalem called Ben Ezra. You will be given the full history of the synagogue and the position of the Jewish community in Egypt.

Finish up this tour with your visit to Khan El Khalili market, where all products of Egyptian souvenirs are available in different qualities. You are invited to have a local drink with your guide at El Fishawy coffee shop, the oldest one in Cairo. When having free time to browse the market, consider your guide's advice to ensure the best possible experience.