Church of St. Barbara

About Church of St. Barbara

Church in Coptic Cairo, Egypt

The Coptic Orthodox Church of St Barbara is one of the best-known churches of Coptic Cairo and among the oldest buildings in the city. It stands in the eastern part of the Babylon Fortress in the Old Cairo district, close to the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Church of Abu Serga. Founded in the late 4th or early 5th century, it was rebuilt several times, as were many Coptic buildings, most notably at the end of the 11th century, and restored repeatedly up to the 20th century. The church follows the basilica plan, with a nave and two aisles divided by columns, and preserves a valuable collection of icons and relics. To the right of the altar a casket is said to hold the body of St Barbara, to whom the church is dedicated. Over its history it passed through the care of different communities before settling as a Coptic Orthodox parish. It is an essential stop on a walk through Old Cairo, where Coptic churches, the Coptic Museum, the Babylon Fortress and the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As sit within a few minutes of each other, reflecting the religious diversity that has marked this quarter for centuries.

Where:

Cairo, Egypt