St. George's Church: A Circular Sanctuary in Old Cairo

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Discover St. George's Church in Old Cairo: a unique round church with a rich history and stunning Byzantine architecture.

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St. George's church

St. George's Church, also known as Mari Girgis, is a unique Greek Orthodox church located in the heart of Old Cairo's Coptic Cairo district. Built atop the ancient Babylon Fortress, it stands out as one of Egypt's few round churches, showcasing a blend of architectural styles and a rich history dating back to the 10th century.

A brief summary to St. George's church

264J+G28، مار جرجس، كوم غراب، مصر القديمة، محافظة القاهرة‬،, Old Cairo, Kom Ghorab, Cairo Governorate, EG
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Monday 9 am-3 pm
Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
Thursday 9 am-3 pm
Friday 9 am-3 pm
Saturday 9 am-3 pm
Sunday 9 am-3 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St. George's church.

Dress respectfully when visiting; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Photography is allowed, but be mindful of worshippers and services.
Combine your visit with other nearby Coptic Cairo attractions, such as the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum.
Visit during the Moulid of Mari Girgis (St. George's Day) on April 23 for a vibrant cultural experience.

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Getting There

Metro

The easiest way to reach St. George's Church is by taking the Cairo Metro. Take Line 1 (the blue line) to Mar Girgis station. The church is a short walk from the station, within the Coptic Cairo area. Metro tickets cost 5-10 EGP depending on the number of stops.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available in Cairo. A taxi ride from downtown Cairo to St. George's Church typically costs between 30-50 EGP and takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey.
Walking

If you are already in Coptic Cairo, St. George's Church is easily accessible on foot. It is located near other significant religious sites like the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum. Follow the signs within Coptic Cairo to reach the church.

Discover more about St. George's church

Nestled within the historic Coptic Cairo, St. George's Church is a captivating landmark with a rich spiritual and architectural heritage. Originally constructed in the 10th century, the church was rebuilt in 1909 after a fire, incorporating the foundations of a Roman tower from the Babylon Fortress. This unique design makes it one of the few round churches in Egypt, reminiscent of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.Inside, visitors are greeted by a dimly lit interior, enhanced by colorful sunbeams streaming through stained glass windows. Intricately carved woodwork adorns the portals, with Islamic-inspired patterns embellishing the entrance to St. George's shrine. The main hall features arched windows, a decorated ceiling with verses from the Psalms, and a captivating spiritual atmosphere.St. George is known for his courage and strong faith in Jesus Christ. The church is an active place of worship and the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. Visitors can explore the church's interior, admire the stained glass, and descend the stairs to see the remains of the Roman tower. The Monastery of St. George, which rarely admits tourists, is located next door. The annual Moulid of Mari Girgis (St. George's Day) is celebrated on April 23 and is one of the largest Coptic festivals in Cairo.