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Exploring Egypt’s Cave Church: The Hidden Gem of Mokattam Hills

An amazing and memorable experience awaits you when you visit Cave Church Egypt in Cairo! This undiscovered gem in Mokattam Mountain holds a wealth of cultural and religious importance that is just waiting to be explored. We'll take you on an amazing tour of Egypt's magnificent history and sites with this guide. Prepare yourself for an experience of a lifetime unlike any other as you uncover the real tale behind one of Cairo's captivating sights!

Cave Church Egypt

Located in the Mokattam Hills of Cairo, Cave Church Egypt, also known as Monastery of Saint Simon. The Monastery of Simon is a beautiful blend of history, spirituality and art. This hidden treasure offers visitors a glimpse into the Christian history of Egypt, the life of the cave at its core. It offers and provides you with amazing crafts.

The Cave church of St. Simon the Tanner, also known as the Al Kharraz Monastery, looks like a holy book carved in stone. It is one of the largest churches in Egypt, the Middle East, and even the world, demonstrating the power of faith through its breathtaking beauty.

In the midst of this impressive monument are stories of miracles and honorable believers. Cave Church invites everyone to explore their spiritual depths and discover the faith that made this possible.

The Location of the Cave Church in Egypt

Cave Church Egypt is located in an area known as Garbage City in the Mokattam Hills east of Cairo, where the Zabbaleen people live Despite its simplicity, this church stands as a symbol of hope and faith, attracting visitors from around the world to come to see its beauty .

The cave temple on top of Mokattam Mountain can be found in Zabbaleen also known as the "city of weeds". This area, east of the Nile River, has the highest concentration of garbage collectors and recyclers in Cairo.

The temple is part of a group of six temples carved directly into the mountain. These include the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, St. Mark’s Church, St. Paul’s Church  and St. Simon the Tanner Hall.

 

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The Name of Cave Church in Egypt

The Cave Church Egypt is officially known as the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner. It is named after St. Simon, a 10th century Coptic Orthodox saint. St. Simon lived during the time of the Islamic Fatimid Caliph al-Muiz and is associated with the transfer of Mount Mokattam.

According to the story, Al Muiz challenged Abraham, the Coptic Pope of Alexandria, to inspire Mokattam to fulfill his faith. The pope fasted for three days, and the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a vision and told him about a man named Simon, a scribe, who could help him. Simon was a fool who wore sandals and gave water to the poor.

History of Cave Church Egypt

This Egypt Cave Church , was founded in 1975 by Father Saman Ibrahim. Carved out of a large cave in the Mokattam hills, it is a place of worship for the local Zabbaleen people. The history of the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner dates back to the time of the Holy Family, who are believed to have hidden here during their three-year sojourn in Egypt

Engraving in Cave Church Egypt

The cave church has beautiful artwork and design depicting various stories from the Bible. These works of art are carved directly into the rock walls, reflecting the artists’ incredible skill and dedication. The sculptures evoke a deep sense of spirituality in the church.

You'll find many incredible stories carved into the rocks inside the church, including the birth of Jesus, the miracle of Lazarus and Jesus coming back to life. These detailed carvings help bring biblical stories to life, bringing visitors with them to communicate more. Many Bible verses are also carved on the walls of the church, adding a new spiritual meaning to visitors.

Cave Church Gallery

The cave church has beautiful paintings and frescoes decorating the walls and ceiling in the entrance hall. These works of art tell the stories of the Bible and the lives of the saints, providing visitors with a wonderful visual experience. The lobby displays the rich artistic heritage of the Coptic community.

Conclusion

The cave temple is a wonderful hidden treasure in Mokattam Hill in Cairo. It provides a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the rich history, art and faith of Coptic Christianity. With its fascinating story, beautiful architecture and easy accessibility for all visitors, it’s no wonder that the Cave Temple is a popular destination for visitors to Cairo!