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      Stone relief carvings on the cliff at Saint Simon Cave Church, Mokattam, on an Old Cairo churches tour
      Colorful biblical mosaic artwork at Saint Simon Cave Church in Cairo, featured on Old Cairo churches tour
      Interior of Saint Simon Cave Church with wooden pews and altar in Mokattam, Cairo, on Old Cairo tour
      Visitors at Cave Church of Saint Simon in Mokattam, Cairo on Old Cairo churches guided tour
      Ben Ezra Synagogue interior in Old Cairo with carved Hebrew tablets, key stop on Cairo churches tour
      Rock-cut statues at Saint Simon Monastery cave church in Mokattam, Cairo on Old Cairo churches tour
      Cave Church of Saint Simon in Mokattam Cairo with wooden pews and carved rock sanctuary on guided tour
      Old Cairo Coptic church altar with crucifix, chandelier, and biblical mural on Cave Church of Saint Simon tour
      Old Cairo churches tour view of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church dome and bell tower under blue sky
      Seating inside Saint Simon Cave Church in Mokattam, Cairo, a highlight of Old Cairo churches tour
      Entrance courtyard of a historic Old Cairo Coptic church, part of Cave Church of Saint Simon tour
      Facade of Saint Simon the Tanner Cave Church carved into Mokattam cliffs, must-see on Old Cairo tour
      Cave Church of Saint Simon auditorium in Mokattam, Cairo, on Old Cairo churches tour in Egypt
      Guided Tour of Cave Church Saint Simon and Old Cairo
      From € 26.26
      Listing ID : 70103

      Activity

      Duration4 Hours
      Group SizePrivate Tour
      Starts AtYour Hotel, Cairo
      LanguagesEnglish
      Private Half-Day Tour | Cairo, Egypt

      Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo Churches Private Tour

      Discover the sacred heart of Coptic Cairo, from the ancient churches of Babylon Fortress to the remarkable cave sanctuary carved into Mokattam Mountain.

      This private Coptic Cairo churches tour brings together the most spiritually significant Christian sites in Egypt within a single four-hour journey, guided by a dedicated local expert who picks you up directly from your hotel.

      Coptic Cairo, historically known as Fustat, holds a place of deep reverence for Christians worldwide. According to tradition, the Holy Family sought shelter here during their flight into Egypt, and the area surrounding the Fort of Babylon preserves that memory through centuries of continuous worship and pilgrimage.

      Beyond the well-known landmarks, this tour ventures into the Mokattam Hills to visit the Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, a cave church complex that most visitors to Cairo never encounter. The contrast between the intimate ancient churches of Old Cairo and the dramatic rock-hewn cathedral on the hillside makes this itinerary genuinely distinctive.

      Tour Highlights

      Explore the ancient churches of the Fort of Babylon, a sacred district visited by the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt.

      Step inside the Hanging Church, suspended above a Roman gatehouse and one of the oldest and most celebrated churches in Egypt.

      Visit the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, built over the cave where tradition holds the Holy Family sheltered.

      Discover the Church of Saint Barbara, dedicated to an early Christian martyr and housing remarkable medieval woodwork and relics.

      Ascend to Mokattam Mountain to visit the Cave Church of Saint Simon, a cathedral carved into the cliffs seating thousands of worshippers.

      Travel on a fully private tour with hotel pickup, ensuring a personalised and flexible experience throughout.

      Itinerary

      1
      Hotel Pickup and Transfer to Coptic Cairo

      Your guide meets you at your Cairo hotel and accompanies you to Coptic Cairo, also known as Old Cairo, a district whose Christian heritage stretches back to the first century. The area encompasses the Fort of Babylon and the surrounding network of ancient churches, monasteries, and the Coptic Museum.

      2
      Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga)

      One of the oldest churches in Egypt, Abu Serga was built above the cave where the Holy Family is believed to have sheltered during their sojourn in Egypt. The crypt beneath the church remains a central point of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians and visitors from across the world.

      3
      Church of Saint Barbara

      Dedicated to an early Christian martyr from Heliopolis Phoenicia, the Church of Saint Barbara is home to some of Egypt's finest examples of medieval Coptic woodwork. The church also preserves relics and offers a quiet atmosphere that reflects the longstanding devotional life of the Coptic community.

      4
      The Hanging Church

      Formally known as the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Hanging Church takes its popular name from its position above a Roman gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, with the nave suspended over a passage. Twenty-nine steps lead up to the entrance, and the interior features a celebrated iconostasis and a collection of icons dating back many centuries.

      5
      Saint Simon the Tanner Monastery, Mokattam Hills

      The tour concludes at the Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, a complex of cave churches cut directly into the limestone cliffs of Mokattam Mountain on the eastern edge of Cairo. The main cathedral can hold thousands of worshippers and is decorated with large-scale biblical carvings in the rock face, making it one of the most visually striking religious sites in the country.

      What Is Included

      Included

      • Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off
      • Licensed professional tour guide throughout
      • Entry to Coptic Cairo district
      • Guided visits to all churches and the cave monastery
      • Fully private tour experience

      Not Included

      • Entrance fees to individual churches or museums where applicable
      • Gratuities for guide and driver
      • Personal expenses and souvenirs
      • Food and beverages

      Important Information

      This tour visits active places of worship. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required at all sites. Visitors should be prepared for uneven stone surfaces and steps at several locations.
      Duration
      Approximately 4 hours, including all transfers and site visits.
      Meeting Point
      Pickup is arranged directly from your hotel in Cairo at a time agreed with your guide.
      What to Bring
      Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera.
      Cancellation
      Please refer to the booking platform for the applicable cancellation policy prior to confirming your reservation.
      Accessibility
      The tour involves steps and uneven stone surfaces at multiple sites. It may not be fully suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
      Age Range
      Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and the tour is appropriate for families traveling with young visitors.

      Reserve Your Place on This Tour

      Secure your private guided visit to the Cave Church of Saint Simon and the historic churches of Coptic Cairo. Places are limited and confirmation is subject to availability.

      Book Now

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What is the Cave Church of Saint Simon in Mokattam?▼
      The Cave Church of Saint Simon, also known as the Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, is a complex of cave churches carved into the limestone cliffs of Mokattam Mountain in eastern Cairo. The main cathedral is one of the largest churches in the Middle East by seating capacity, with the rock walls decorated with large-scale biblical carvings.
      Why is Coptic Cairo considered a sacred destination?▼
      Coptic Cairo is regarded as holy because several of its sites are traditionally associated with the Holy Family's flight into Egypt. The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, for example, was built above the cave where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are believed to have sheltered, drawing pilgrims from Egypt and around the world.
      Is the Hanging Church actually suspended in the air?▼
      The Hanging Church is not suspended in the conventional sense, but its nave is built over a passage within the Roman gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, giving it an elevated position. Visitors access it by climbing twenty-nine steps, which is why early travelers also referred to it as the Staircase Church.
      What should I wear when visiting these churches?▼
      All sites visited on this tour are active places of worship and require modest dress. Visitors should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered before entering any of the churches or the cave monastery.
      Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Cairo?▼
      Yes, this tour is rated as easy in difficulty and is well-suited to first-time visitors. The private format and hotel pickup make logistics straightforward, and the guide provides historical and cultural context throughout the tour.
      How long does the full tour take?▼
      The tour lasts approximately four hours in total, covering Coptic Cairo and the Mokattam Hills cave church. The time is divided across multiple sites with roughly one hour allocated to Coptic Cairo, thirty minutes each at the Church of Saint Barbara and the Hanging Church, and one hour at the Monastery of Saint Simon.
      Coptic CairoCave ChurchMokattam MountainHanging ChurchSaint Simon MonasteryOld CairoChurch of Saint BarbaraAbu SergaChristian EgyptCairo Private TourEgypt PilgrimageHoly Family Sites
      Last updated: 2025-07-10 | Product ID: TX-CAI-COPTIC-CAVE-001

      Activity

      Availability

      You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

      Additional Information

      Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

      Duration

      4 hours

      Languages

      English - Speaking Guide

      Additional Information

      Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

      Cancellation Policy

      Select Date

      Meeting Point

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

      Activity Site

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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