Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Hanging Church. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Cairo Private Day Tours: Discover Islamic and Coptic Cairo
• Half-Day Tour in Churches of Cairo
• Full-Day Tour Visiting Coptic and Islamic Cairo
• Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo Churches
• Cairo Luxury Tours to Old Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo & Bazaar

While you can visit the Hanging Church independently for free, exploring on a tour has the benefit of including transportation. Tours of Coptic Cairo nearly always include the church: Guided tours cost from around US$45 per person, with transportation-only options from just US$15. Full-day guided tours of Cairo that visit the church start from around US$50.

The Hanging Church is important for its 3rd-century AD origins, which make it one of Egypt’s oldest churches. It’s also significant for having been built atop Cairo’s ruined Roman Babylon fortress—so is “hanging” over its gatehouse—and for being sacred to Coptic Christians and the seat of Coptic Christianity’s leader.

Visiting the Hanging Church reveals everything from ornate interiors to the unique architecture that lends it a suspended appearance. You’ll see its exquisite twin bell towers, carved doors, and 110 stunning religious icons. Other highlights include its bone-and-ivory panels, marble pulpit, and vaulted ceiling, which echoes Noah’s Ark.

The Hanging Church has no official dress code, but visitors are requested to dress modestly as it’s an active place of worship. The general rule is to cover your knees and shoulders: men should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts; and women long-sleeved tops and long pants or longer-style skirts.

While photography is generally banned inside the Hanging Church, taking photos may sometimes be acceptable, provided guidelines are followed. You’re therefore advised to abide by any signage prohibiting photography, but if you’re unsure, to ask a guide or on-site staff for guidance.