The church is located in the historic Cairo area and is one of the ancient Coptic churches associated with the memory of the Holy Family's route and Egyptian Christian heritage. The church is distinguished by its long history and its spiritual and architectural significance, and it represents part of the unique historical fabric of Old Cairo. Here, visitors find a living example of Coptic heritage that has maintained its presence throughout the centuries.
The Holy Family came here and drank from a well on the site, and a church was later built here dating back to the 4th century AD, named the (Virgin Mary of the Iron Chain / "Hillat al-Hadid"). This church remained the seat of about 23 patriarchs of the Coptic Orthodox Church for a period of more than 300 years.
Quick Facts:
Location: Haret Zuweila – Historic Cairo
Site type: Historic church
Significance: A major landmark within Cairo's Coptic heritage
Key features: The historic church – the icons – Coptic architectural elements
Development Works
The plan includes enhancing the church entrance and creating an integrated tourist services center, along with providing a dedicated parking area for visitor buses to help improve access to the site.
