South of modern downtown Cairo, Old Cairo concentrates within a few hundred meters a Roman fortress, Africa's first mosque, thousand-year-old Coptic churches, the country's oldest synagogue and a museum dedicated to Coptic art. This dense neighborhood, accessible by metro, condenses nearly two millennia of religious and urban history in Egypt.

Why visit Old Cairo

• See the remains of the Roman fortress of Babylon, a strategic control point on the Nile in late antiquity.
• Visit the Amr ibn al-As mosque, the first mosque built on the African continent (around 642).
• Compare within the same area a unique circular church in Egypt (Saint George), a suspended church built on the fortress's southern tower, the Ben Ezra synagogue and the Coptic museum.
• Enjoy a compact neighborhood accessible by metro from downtown Cairo.

History of Old Cairo

The neighborhood dates back to the Roman period. Following Egypt's conquest around 30 BC, imperial authority strengthened control of the Nile's most frequently crossed point. Tradition links the origin of the stronghold known as the fortress of Babylon to the emperor Augustus, with later phases (notably under Trajan and Diocletian) further consolidating it.

Under Constantine I, Christianity became freely practiced throughout the Empire. It was during this period that the first versions of the Suspended Church and the Church of Saint George were founded within the fortress walls.

Around 639, Arab general 'Amr ibn al-'As conquered Egypt. He commissioned the first mosque on the African continent and founded Fostat to the north of the fortress, which occupies the present-day location of Old Cairo. The neighborhood subsequently retained its religious functions as the capital moved further north.

Around 1910, Marcus Simaika Pasha had the first museum entirely dedicated to Coptic art built within the ruins of the Roman fortress of Babylon.

What to see in Old Cairo

The Coptic Museum

The Coptic Museum features 25 rooms tracing the origins and development of Christianity in Egypt. The collections bring together fountains (fasqiyya-s), wainscoting, mosaics, woodwork, mashrabiyas, textiles, stained glass, metalwork and ceramics from Coptic sites throughout the country. The pieces span a broad chronological arc, from the Hellenistic period to the Fatimid era. For more details, consult the dedicated page on the Coptic Museum of Cairo.

The Church of Saint George

Built on one of the towers of the Roman fortress of Babylon, the Church of Saint George is the only circular church in all of Egypt. It is crowned by a large dome and its interior is supported by six red marble pillars. Outside, a bas-relief depicts Saint George on a white horse slaying a dragon. Inside, murals and an ornate altar evoke the Holy Family and major figures of Christianity.

The Suspended Church (Sitt Mariam / El Moallaqa)

Built around the 7th century on the southern tower of the Roman fortress of Babylon, the Suspended Church takes its name from its overhanging position. Access is via a vestibule opening onto a courtyard, then up a staircase of about thirty steps. The woodwork with floral and geometric motifs, mosaics depicting the Holy Family's flight to Egypt and stained glass constitute its most remarkable features.

The Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is Egypt's oldest synagogue. Built in the 9th century, it was reconstructed in 1892 in Turkish style. The ornate ceiling, the woodwork of the balconies and the red and gold ornaments of the Aron Kodech characterize its interior décor; the Bimah and Amoud are of more classical craftsmanship.

The Amr ibn al-As Mosque

Built around 642, the Amr ibn al-As Mosque is Africa's first mosque. Originally it consisted of a rammed earth floor, a palm leaf ceiling and wooden columns. Rebuilt and enlarged several times, it now centers around a vast sahn (inner courtyard), four riwaq (porticoes) and arcades resting on numerous white marble pillars.

Other sites to visit

• The churches of Saint Sergius and Saint Barbara, within walking distance.
• The nilometer on Rhoda Island, a medieval structure for measuring Nile floods.
• The El-Sakakini Square, further north, for its eclectic palace.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow half a day to combine the Coptic Museum, the two main churches and the synagogue; a full day if you add the Amr ibn al-As Mosque and secondary sites.
• Tickets: paid entry to the Coptic Museum, free access to places of worship, to be confirmed on-site. Bring cash for any donations and photo storage fees.
• Dress code: shoulders and knees covered in all churches, the synagogue and mosque. A headscarf is recommended for women at the Amr ibn al-As Mosque; shoes must be removed at the entrance to prayer areas.
• Photography: often permitted in outdoor spaces, sometimes restricted or paid inside the museum and certain churches.
• Security: checks at the perimeter entrance, bring an ID.

When to visit

Cairo's climate makes visiting more comfortable from October to April, when temperatures remain moderate. Summer (June-August) brings dry heat that is challenging midday; prioritize the first hours after opening. During Ramadan, site hours may be reduced and worship places may be more crowded, particularly at the Amr ibn al-As Mosque. Friday mornings, plan to avoid weekly prayers at the mosque.

How to get there

The simplest solution is the metro: the Mar Girgis station (Line 1) directly serves the Coptic Museum, the Suspended Church and the Church of Saint George, which are opposite the exit. The Amr ibn al-As Mosque and Ben Ezra Synagogue are within walking distance. Taxi and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) offer a comfortable alternative from downtown Cairo or Zamalek; expect a short journey outside peak hours, considerably longer during midday.

What to see in the region

• Cairo: Saladin Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el-Khalili bazaar and Egyptian Museum.
• Coptic Museum of Cairo: to deepen knowledge of the collections mentioned above.
• Abu Simbel Temples: Ramesside rock-cut complex in the south of the country.
• Aswan Temples and Elephantine Island: classic stops in Upper Egypt.

Frequently asked questions

Including Old Cairo in your trip

Old Cairo integrates naturally into a visit combining the capital, the Nile Valley and Upper Egypt. To build a custom itinerary including this historic neighborhood, explore our Egypt travel ideas.