We started early this morning touring old Cairo with a Coptic Church and Synagogue on our schedule.
Our first stop, but not off the bus, was the front of the oldest mosque in Egypt the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As.
Our next stop was the Coptic Church of Saint Barbara. It was originally built in 684 but was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries due to fire. It is also part of the Fortress of Babylon.
The courtyard holds beautiful mosaics and the church is adorned with inlaid wood.
We walked through alleys with book and photograph sales.
The church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus is where the Holy family are believed to have stayed. This ancient church is located in Old Cairo, and according to tradition, it was built on the spot where Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus took refuge during their flight into Egypt.
The crypt beneath the church, behind the altar, was where the Holy Family supposedly took refuge.
Moving through the alleyways we headed to Ben-Ezra Synagogue. Legend has it that this was the site where baby Moses was found in a basket.
Unfortunately, photos were not allowed so this was the only one from the door. Inside it was decorated with beautifully crafted patterns and inlaid reliefs similar to the Coptic churches but with Menorahs instead of crosses.
Our guide pointed out how the area of Old Cairo is where the three religions converge.
Our next stop was the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. This museum brought us through the times of different civilizations which we had touched upon at the sites.
It also holds the gallery of mummies. Going through this part of the museum, photography was not permitted. Several people tried to take photos but were quickly stopped and the photos deleted. So I definitely wasn’t going to try. Besides I believe when I am in a foreign place I should follow the rules. It is a sign of respect.
The above is part of the Museum of Egyptian Civilization which currently holds 1600 pieces.
Our next stop was the GEM or the Grand Egyptian Museum. But that was so amazing it deserves its own story!
#egypt#cairo#coptic#saintsergius#oldcairo#museumofegyptiancivilization#saintbarbara#benezrasynagogue
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