Synagogue Ben Ezra: A Testament to Cairo's Jewish Heritage

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Explore Cairo's oldest synagogue, a unique blend of history, architecture, and religious significance in the heart of Old Cairo.

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Synagogue Ben Ezra

The Ben Ezra Synagogue, nestled in Old Cairo, stands as Egypt's oldest synagogue, with a history stretching back to the 9th century. Originally a church, it was sold to the Jewish community in 882 AD. The synagogue is renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles and the discovery of the Cairo Geniza, a treasure trove of historical documents.

A brief summary to Synagogue Ben Ezra

264J+7CV, Old Cairo, Kom Ghorab, Cairo Governorate, EG
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Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

Dress respectfully when visiting the synagogue. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash out of respect for the site.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Coptic Cairo, such as the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum.
Check the opening hours before you go, as they may vary.

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Getting There

Metro

The most convenient way to reach the Synagogue Ben Ezra is by taking the Cairo Metro Line 1 (red line) to Mar Girgis Station. From the station exit, it's a short walk to the synagogue, located within the Coptic Cairo area. A metro ticket costs 5 EGP for up to 9 stations, 7 EGP for 10-16 stations, and 10 EGP for more than 16 stations.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available throughout Cairo. Simply set your destination as Ben Ezra Synagogue or Coptic Cairo. A typical taxi ride from downtown Cairo to the synagogue costs approximately 50-150 EGP, depending on traffic and distance. Negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running.
Walking

If you're already in Coptic Cairo, walking to the Synagogue Ben Ezra is a pleasant option. It's a short walk from other major landmarks like the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum. Follow the signs and enjoy the historic atmosphere of the area. No costs involved.

Discover more about Synagogue Ben Ezra

Synagogue Ben Ezra, located in the heart of Old Cairo, is a captivating landmark that embodies the rich history of Judaism in Egypt. Believed to have been built in 882 CE, the synagogue stands on the site where tradition holds that baby Moses was found. Originally an Orthodox Christian church, it was purchased by Abraham Ben Ezra and converted into a synagogue.The synagogue's architecture reflects a unique fusion of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic design elements. The building showcases a basilica-style layout with two floors, the first for men and the second for women. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate decorations, including geometric patterns, marble pillars, and stained glass windows depicting scenes from Jewish history.One of the most significant discoveries at the Ben Ezra Synagogue was the Cairo Geniza, a collection of hundreds of thousands of Jewish manuscript fragments and Fatimid administrative documents. These documents, dating from the 6th to the 19th centuries, have provided invaluable insights into the social, economic, and religious life of Jews in Egypt and the wider Mediterranean world. Today, the Ben Ezra Synagogue serves as a museum and a testament to the historical coexistence of different faiths in Cairo.