Experience Egypt’s Best: 16 Top-rated tourist churches and monasteries
Welcome to Egypt . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a carefully curated list of 16 must-see tourist churches and monasteries that will inspire your sense of adventure. If you’re looking to experience Egypt like a local, we’ve got you covered with 16 hidden tourist churches and monasteries gems waiting to be discovered. And for those who crave excitement, we’ve compiled 16 thrilling tourist churches and monasteries that will get your heart racing.
Information about Egypt
It is difficult to think of Egypt without imagining the archaeological sites dating back thousands of years from the most important ancient civilizations, the Pharaonic civilization, such as the Sphinx and the pyramids in Giza, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and the Nile, this ancient country is considered the cradle of civilizations that still preserve its ancient history and rich culture , and includes mysterious treasures of unimaginable archaeological and cultural riches, and in addition to being the largest open-air museum in the world, Egypt offers a large number of luxury Red Sea resorts, in addition to an impressive array of diving and windsurfing sites, whether you see it by sight. Riverboat, camelback or directly over coral reefs, Egypt’s sights are unforgettable.
A list of the best Tourist churches and monasteries in Egypt
We’ve carefully curated a list of the top 16 tourist churches and monasteries in Egypt, based on visitor ratings and reviews. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our guide will help you plan the perfect outing. Our team has scoured the city to find the best tourist churches and monasteries, from museums to restaurants to gardens. Let us be your guide to Egypt’s tourist churches and monasteries scene and experience the sights and flavors that make it unique. Don’t waste your time searching for the best spots – we’ve done the work for you. Trust our expertise to make the most of your time in Egypt.
1- The Hanging Church
The Hanging Church – The Hanging Church is the oldest standing church in Egypt. It was named by this name because it was built on two of the ancient towers of the Roman fort, which was built in the second century AD. It was renovated over the past different eras. The church consists of a main nave and two small wings, with eight columns between them on each side. Inside, there are many ancient statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, in addition to parts of Egyptian national newspapers. It was renewed several times and trials of priests, bishops and other offenders took place. It is a wonderful archaeological place with a very distinctive architectural character, and it is a must to go to when visiting Cairo with family or friends. It is also an important shrine for all Copts from all over the world.
Place address: Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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2- The Heavenly Cathedral
The Heavenly Cathedral – wonderful cathedral that captures the breath of everyone who visits it, and it is one of the largest churches in Egypt and the most wonderful in terms of simple architecture. It contains many decorations and artistic paintings that stand out through the beautiful details that tell many very interesting stories, in addition to the presence of a beautiful garden in which you can sit for rest or recreation. All you have to do is wear the appropriate clothes and come and enjoy seeing one of the most beautiful churches in Arab Egypt with your family or friends.
Place address: The Heavenly Cathedral, Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt
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3- Saint Barbara Church Complex
Saint Barbara Church Complex – The ancient Orthodox Church of St. Barbara is one of the many famous Coptic Orthodox churches that can be found in the Coptic Cairo neighborhood. The building is located in the eastern part of the Babylon Citadel and is one of the oldest buildings in Cairo and dates back to the fifth or sixth century AD. The church was characterized by a distinctive architectural design with spacious inner courtyards, pointed ceilings, ornate columns, muqarnas, and a number of unique decorations and inscriptions.
Place address: 264J+CGP, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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4- St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church Cleopatra
St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church Cleopatra – St. Mark’s Church or St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church is the first Coptic church built and established in the Heliopolis neighborhood of Cairo, and being one of the many Coptic Orthodox churches in Heliopolis, it is located specifically on Cleopatra Street, near Cleopatra Hospital. The church was characterized by a Gothic architectural design, as it extends over a large area and includes a number of distinctive facilities such as domes, prayer rooms, muqarnas, arches and pointed ceilings that give visitors and worshipers a sense of grandeur.
Place address: 35 Cleopatra, Almazah, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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5- Monastery of the great saint Anba Abram
Monastery of the great saint Anba Abram – The monastery of the great saint Anba Ibraam is located in the city of Fayoum, and it is considered among the archaeological treasures of Egypt, and it is one of the distinctive tourist places in the region, which provides a Christian religious shrine to which many visitors flock to take the blessing of the monastery. The monastery was characterized by a majestic design of courtyards, internal and external arcades, and arches. The monastery building also includes the Church of the Virgin Mary, which is one of the most important Christian religious buildings in the region.
Place address: 7V73+R6R, Al Izab, Faiyum, Faiyum Governorate, Egypt
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6- Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus
Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus – The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, also known as Abu Serga, was built on the remains of an ancient Roman fort in Old Cairo. The history of the church is still being debated, and some scholars believe that it dates back to the late fourth and early fifth centuries AD. This church has acquired a special religious status among the Coptic churches because it is associated with the journey of the Holy Family through Egypt, and is named after the famous saints in the early fourth century AD, Sergius and Bacchus, both of whom were martyred in Rusafa in Syria because of their Christian beliefs. The church was distinguished by a distinctive architectural design.
Place address: Mari Gerges, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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7- The Cathedral of St. Mark
The Cathedral of St. Mark – St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral is a Coptic church located in the heart of Alexandria, and is the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. The cathedral is a unique example of architectural development with its spacious interiors and tall arched ceilings. It can accommodate more than 5,000 worshipers. It is the first destination for pilgrims, especially during the holidays, and celebrations, special events and weddings are held in it.
Place address: 19 Al Akbat Church, محطة الرمل، Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
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8- Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Saint Catherine’s Monastery – The Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine is one of the oldest places of worship in the world. It was founded in the fourth century. It is located at the site where Moses is believed to have seen the burning bushes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walled monastery complex includes a fortress, a main church, a transfiguration church, and monastic buildings dating back to To the sixth century, along with the famous library of manuscripts, priceless icons, collectibles and famous works of art, Mount Sinai is located at an altitude of 2,285 meters above the monastery, and it is possible to climb to the top where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and from there you will be rewarded with stunning views of the monastery and surrounding areas.
Place address: Saint Catherine, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt
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9- St. George’s church
St. George’s church – St. George’s Church is a Greek Orthodox church located inside the Babylon Citadel in Coptic Cairo, and it is part of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St. George of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. The church dates back to the tenth century (or earlier), and the current structure was rebuilt after a fire in 1904 AD, and was completed in 1909 AD. Today, the church is characterized by a Gothic building style that includes spacious courtyards, muqarnas, columns, and angles, in addition to a number of shrines belonging to important religious historical figures.
Place address: مار جرجس، كوم غراب، مصر القديمة، محافظة القاهرة،، Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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10- Orthodox Coptic Church
Orthodox Coptic Church – This church is located in the Dahar district of Hurghada. It is a Coptic church with a modest and simple building from the outside, but it is very impressive from the inside, especially its colorful windows, painted walls and ceilings, religious paintings and murals hanging throughout it and above the altar. The most important feature of this place is the presence of a small church located directly under the cathedral, in order to accommodate all worshipers on special religious days. You can go there with your family and friends and enjoy the beauty of this amazing church! It is a spiritual place, full of life and wonderful vibes. All you have to do is remain calm and respect the worshipers who pray in it!
Place address: Orthodox Coptic Church, El-Lewaa Salman Mazhar, الغردقة، Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
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11- St. Simon “the tanner” Monastery
St. Simon “the tanner” Monastery – The Monastery of St. Simon Al-Kharaz or the Mokattam Hill is a distinguished archaeological landmark in the Cairo Governorate, specifically in the Mokattam region. In the inner cavity of the mountain, near the cave where St. Simon Al-Kharaz is buried, and the area is a popular destination for tourists and locals who come to pray, explore the place, and take memorial photos.
Place address: Shawqi, Al Abageyah, El-Khalifa, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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12- Coptic orthodox cathedral
Coptic orthodox cathedral – The Coptic Orthodox Church is located in Aswan and is the largest Christian church in Egypt and North Africa (there are about 6.5 million Copts in Egypt). The church is headed by the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, but he now resides in Cairo. The Pope is elected by the clergy and laity, who are chosen from 3 candidates. This church is characterized by its magnificent architecture, its high internal columns, a stunning altar, and many picturesque paintings and drawings. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy getting to know this wonderful and huge church. It is a perfect place for all architecture lovers!
Place address: Coptic orthodox cathedral of the Archangel Michael, Ferial Squer, Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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13- Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – The Church of the Virgin Mary in Qusayr is one of the most important landmarks in the city and an important spiritual center. The church was built in the year 1920, and since then the church fascinates its visitors with the beauty of its architecture as soon as it enters, as it is distributed throughout its altars and gilded arches, and visitors will find on its walls and ceiling wonderful drawings of the Virgin Mary and the martyr Saint Barbara, and they will also find wonderful stained glass, ornate doors, and many more .
Place address: Al Shareka, El Qoseir, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
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14- St Mary Church
St Mary Church – This wonderful church was built 150 years ago in the city of Luxor, and it is the oldest church in the city. The church is characterized by its large and spacious area that receives large numbers of worshipers and visitors from all over the world. From the outside, its classic and antique design will catch your eye, and it still maintains this style that made it one. One of the most prominent monuments in the city, and inside there are a number of wonderful religious symbols and paintings that are characterized by unique minute details, and the columns, walls and ceiling are covered with beautiful religious drawings.
Place address: St Mary Church, Mabad Al Karnak, Luxor City, الأقصر، Luxor Governorate, Egypt
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15- The Cave Church
The Cave Church – The Cave Church, also known as Saint Simon’s Monastery, is located in the Mokattam Mountains southeast of Cairo. It is a Serbian Orthodox cave church. It was built by the Serbian King (Milotin) in the 14th century and is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. It is part of the Monastery of Saint Archangel Gabriel. . The church was distinguished by its sculpture inside one of the largest caves, and today it is considered an important and distinctive landmark for Egypt.
Place address: البيدق، Ghayt Al Adah, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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16- Saint George Coptic Orthodox Church
Saint George Coptic Orthodox Church – This wonderful church is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in Port Said, as it is completely covered from the outside with marble and with many pictorial drawings of the Virgin Mary and Christ, and from the inside it is decorated with carved wood and wonderful paintings and drawings. This church is easily accessible by public transportation, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit it!
Place address: Al Shohadaa, Qesm Ash Sharq, Port Said Governorate 42111, Egypt
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Conclusion
As your journey through Egypt comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Egypt such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!