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Christmas 2014 in Egypt – Old Cairo

This year we spent the Christmas season in Egypt.   Traditionally it is believed that Jesus lived in Egypt for 3.5 years of his early childhood.   While in Egypt we wanted to view some of the places where Jesus is believed to have stayed.

We flew to Cairo to view some of the Coptic Christian sites, where the Coptic Christians believe Jesus stayed during his time in Egypt.     We drove through Cairo until we came to the area of old Cairo.   The streets in Old Cairo were very narrow.


The oldest churches, nunnery and Jewish synagogue are all located in a small area within Old Cairo.




Virgin Mary Church
Our first stop was the Virgin Mary Church.


Virgin Mary Church is also known as the Hanging Church, because it was built in the 3rd century over an old Roman fortress.   It is the only Egyptian church which does not have domes and it has a wooden ceiling in the shape of Noah’s Ark. 


From one of the church windows we can view the old Roman Water Tower.




Cavern Church (also known as Abu Serga Church)
Nearby is the old Cavern Church (also known as Abu Serga Church).    This church was built at the location where it is believed that Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived while in Cairo.  





Inside the church is a covering over an ancient well which the Coptics believe that the Holy Family used to draw water.


In the cavern under the church is the original location where it is believed that the Holy family lived while in Cairo.






Amr ibn Al Aas Mosque
Close to the churches is the Amr ibn Al Aas Mosque.


Once again, Suzanna had to dress in an appropriate manner in order to enter the mosque.




Old Cairo
The shops in Old Cairo were small and quaint.


While driving along the outskirts of Old Cairo, we could view the Pyramids in the distance.


The Sahara desert comes right up to the edge of Old Cairo.