ITINERARY

• Embark on a unique journey to the St. Simon Monastery, a hidden gem in Cairo’s Mokattam Hills. Your drive takes you through Garbage City, a bustling, labyrinthine community where the Zabbaleen, Cairo’s informal garbage collectors, live and work. The streets are lined with stacks of recycled materials, vividly showcasing their remarkable recycling system. Though unconventional, the scene is one of resilience, ingenuity, and industry, offering a glimpse into a way of life unlike any other. As the road ascends the Mokattam cliffs,the transformation is striking. Upon reaching the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, you’ll be greeted by its awe-inspiring amphitheater, carved into the mountain, capable of hosting over 20,000 worshippers. The monastery is adorned with intricate carvings of biblical scenes etched into the rock, and its serene ambiance contrasts sharply with the lively chaos of Garbage City below. This tour offers a profound blend of human perseverance and spiritual tranquility.
• As you pass by the Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, you’ll witness the grandeur of Egypt’s first mosque, built in 641 AD by the commander who introduced Islam to the country. This historic landmark, located in the heart of Old Cairo, stands as a testament to early Islamic architecture. Although it has undergone multiple renovations, the mosque retains its serene and modest charm. Its expansive courtyard, surrounded by elegant arcades with simple columns, creates a peaceful atmosphere. The mosque’s timeless design reflects the simplicity of early Islamic worship spaces, with an emphasis on functionality and community. While not as ornate as later mosques, its historical significance is unparalleled, marking the beginning of Islamic presence in Africa. As you admire it from the outside, you’ll sense its spiritual and cultural importance as a cornerstone of Cairo’s religious legacy.
• Embark on a spiritual journey through Old Cairo, beginning at the awe-inspiring St. Simon Monastery, nestled in the Mokattam Hills, known for its massive open-air amphitheater and intricate carvings. Continue to the Hanging Church, suspended above a Roman fortress, showcasing exquisite Coptic icons and woodwork. Nearby, visit St. Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga), believed to have sheltered the Holy Family, and descend into its sacred crypt. Next, explore the serene Church of St. Barbara, renowned for its relics and intricately carved wooden screens. A short walk leads to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, blending Jewish and Islamic artistry and tied to the discovery of the Cairo Geniza. Conclude with a glimpse of Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, the first mosque in Egypt, reflecting early Islamic architectural simplicity. This tour offers a harmonious blend of Coptic, Jewish, and Islamic history, weaving together the religious and cultural legacy of Cairo.