Being the oldest part in the present city Cairo is the reason behind calling it "Old Cairo". The place is famous for the "Roman fortress" and some of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt and the world. The oldest active church is "Hanging church" with it largest collection of Coptic icons in one church (110). The holy family church is the "Abu Serga church". The oldest Jewish synagogue in the country is one of (Ibn Ezra). according to traditions it i s built on the spot where baby Mosses has found on the Nile. Having an old mosque as well in the vicinity makes the area a religious assembly in deed.

Hanging church _ Old Cairo _ 4th century

The original church building was constructed in the 4th c. The name was given to church since it is built on top of 2 of the Roman fortress towers. From certain places in the church's floor you could see how the church is 17m high above thefortress original ground level.

in the 10th c. St Mary performed the miracle of the Eastern mountain  removal. that gave it the New name "St. Mary" church.

2 of the church's priests have been elected as patriarchs of Egypt gave the church a special credit.

the church has been under restoration for 3 years (1998-2001).

Entrance of the "Abu Serga church" shows how low was the level of the ground compared to it today. walking the lanes to the church's floor level you would have gone down 2 levels below the street level today.

Abu Serge is famous as the "Holy family" church. according to traditions St. Mar, baby Jesus and St. Joseph sheltered for a week in a crypt that the church is built on. Bbeautiful 13th c colored frescos can be still seen clear in the church.- 6th century - old Cairo.

Entrance of the crypt of the Holey of the church of Abu Serga. The crypt is 3 levels under the street and Nile level today. The church down there could be truly is the oldest in the world as hosted Jesus when he was maximum 3month old.

Inside the crypt of the Holy  family - Abu Serga church.

This is a unique picture as no one could go down now. June the 1st of every year mass is held down in the crypt church since the date commemorates the arrival of the holy family to the place.