St. George's church

St. George’s Church, or Mar Girgis, is a Greek Orthodox church in Old Cairo, set within the Babylon Fortress. Its circular form rises above an ancient Roman tower, and the church is known for its icons, paintings and calm interior. Look for the relief of St. George and the dragon on the tower’s exterior, then take time with the religious art inside. The present church was rebuilt after a fire and completed in 1909.

A church above the Roman fortress

St. George’s Church stands within the Babylon Fortress in Old Cairo. Its circular shape and position above an ancient Roman tower set it apart from the surrounding historic buildings. A long flight of steps leads up to the church. On the tower’s exterior, look for a relief showing St. George and the dragon.

The church is Greek Orthodox and is connected to the adjoining monastery of St. George, which is the seat of the Greek patriarch. The church’s history is associated with earlier centuries, but accounts differ on its original date. Its present structure followed a fire in 1904 and was completed in 1909.

Inside the church

Religious icons and paintings fill the interior, with scenes connected to St. George and other saints. Take time to examine the artwork and details rather than rushing through. The church’s quiet atmosphere also leaves room for prayer and reflection.

St. George’s remains an active place of worship. Visitors interested in the wider history of Coptic Cairo can combine the church with nearby historic churches or museums. A guided tour can add context to the site and its place within the Babylon Fortress.