Saint Barbara Church in Old Cairo – History, Location & Treasures

Key Takeaways – Saint Barbara Church in Cairo

• Saint Barbara Church is a historic Coptic church in Old Cairo, close to major Christian Cairo sites.
• It sits near the Hanging Church and the Babylon Fortress area, making it easy to include in one day.
• The church has been rebuilt and restored multiple times—its story connects Fatimid, Crusader-era, and later periods.
• Inside, you’ll find a traditional Orthodox layout, rich woodwork, and a collection of icons depicting key biblical scenes.
• For the smoothest visit, go earlier in the day and dress respectfully (covered shoulders/knees).

Where is Saint Barbara Church Located?

Saint Barbara Church can be found in Cairo, in Old Cairo, in St. Barbara’s Quarter, close to Jewish Temple Street and the
Hanging Church, on the eastern side of the Babylon Fort, behind the Monastery of St. George.

One distinctive detail: it is situated approximately 140 centimeters below the surface of the earth. Visitors typically access it by taking a stone ladder down a set of steps.

It was created sometime between the end of the fourth and the start of the fifth century AD (as recorded in the original content), and it remains one of the notable Coptic sites connected to the early Christian periods in Egypt.

What Do We Know About Saint Barbara Church?

Also called St. Barbara Church, this church was historically known for annual ceremonies and religious feasts held in honor of the saint, events that were notable in scale and considered among the most well-known of the Coptic churches.
Near the church was a nunnery where virgins who wanted to give their lives to God could find refuge and commit themselves to a monastic life.

Who Was Saint Barbara?

According to the original content, Saint Barbara was a young woman born in the early third century AD in Asia Minor to Dioscorus, a wealthy pagan father. It is stated that Origen, an Egyptian theologian, was her teacher until she turned to Christianity.

The Story of Rebuilding Saint Barbara Church

Yuhanna ibn al-Abah, also known as al-Amah, was a Coptic minister who renovated the church during the Fatimid dynasty, during the reign of Caliph al-Mustansir.

John Al-Abh is cited as narrating that he was a distinguished individual holding a prominent position within the Caliphate. The powerful politicians of his era were envious of him and treated him harshly and unfairly, accusing him of betraying the Fatimid Caliph and defaming him in public.

He answered the Caliph’s request to restore the Abu Sarja Church after it became evident to him that he was innocent. After completing that work, he had enough materials, tools, and supplies left to build another church. Thus, he reconstructed the Church of Saint Barbara without the Caliph’s consent, to the dismay of his jealous subjects.

Upon confirming the information, the Caliph gave him the order to destroy one of the two churches. The preacher remained undecided between the two churches, ultimately collapsing between them out of exhaustion. The Caliph halted the destruction of the second church upon learning of his untimely demise and declared: “I ordered the building of the one, and I gave the second one as blood money for him.”

Remarkably, the content states the church was reconstructed during the time the Crusaders were besieging Damietta, in 1072 AD (465 AH). The text also explains that it is challenging to pinpoint the precise date the building was finished because, like other churches, it was demolished several times.

It also notes a fire in AD 1071 that caused extensive damage, and refers to repeated destruction and rebuilding across different eras, including the fire of Fustat and later damage in the twentieth century, as mentioned in the original content.

Rare Finds: The Ancient Church Door

Even though Fort Babylon’s churches suffered similar damage, the article highlights that some original features and historical relics remained. One of the most valuable finds was the discovery of the original church door, along with wooden screens decorated with geometric and floral patterns, animal and human scenes, and bird shapes.

The content adds that Mark Samika Pasha (linked in the text to the Coptic Museum) found the ancient door preserved between two walls in the church’s nave during restoration work. Moisture exposure affected the lower portions, but the upper fillings remained partially visible, showing the beauty of the carving and the mastery of the craft.

Saint Barbara Church Layout

St. Barbara Church is laid out in the traditional Orthodox manner, with a rectangular shape that measures roughly twenty-six and a half meters in length and fourteen and a half meters in width. It stands about fifteen meters tall and is described as one of Fustat’s most exquisite churches.

The church has two floors. A wooden beam capped by broken, tall arches supports the columns. A covered gallery held up by columns is located above them. A semicircular wooden vault (truss) covers the main structure and gallery, while the two side corridors are covered by a flat wooden ceiling.

The content describes two wings on the right and left with a courtyard in the center. Ten columns—five on each side—divide them from the courtyard. These columns are distinct from one another, said to have been transported from Greek and Roman temples, with ornate capitals above the marble columns.

It also notes a southern temple dedicated to Saint Mark and a chapel honoring Saint Barbara, described as one of the more recent additions, featuring icons and decorative details centered around Saint Barbara.

Saint Barbara Church Icons

St. Barbara Church is home to a collection of icons that depict events in the life of Jesus Christ, including his entry into Jerusalem, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, the Transfiguration, the Last Supper, and the Wedding at Cana.

Other icons depict the Virgin at the time of the Annunciation, the Nativity, the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple to Simon the Elder, an icon of baptism, and another of Saint George. The text also mentions depictions of Emperor Constantine and his mother, Helena.

In addition, the article notes a “laqan” used for the custom of washing feet on Maundy Thursday, Epiphany, and the Feast of the Apostles, along with a preaching pulpit (ampel) resembling the pulpit of the Abu Sarja Church |”

How to Get to Saint Barbara Church

Saint Barbara Church is located in Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo), an area best explored on foot once you arrive.
The church is close to major landmarks like the Hanging Church and the Babylon Fortress.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps

Ask the driver for Coptic Cairo or the Hanging Church. From there, Saint Barbara Church is just a short walk.

By Metro

Take Cairo Metro Line 1 and get off at Mar Girgis Station. From the station, follow the signs toward Coptic Cairo and walk to the church area.

With a Guided Tour

If you prefer an easy, organized visit, Saint Barbara Church is commonly included in Cairo Day Trips, especially tours focused on Old Cairo and Christian heritage.

Visiting Saint Barbara Church in Old Cairo

If you’re planning a visit to Saint Barbara Church, the easiest approach is to combine it with other Old Cairo stops in the same area.
Because the church sits below street level, wear comfortable shoes for steps and uneven paths.

Dress Code & Simple Etiquette

Dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees is a safe rule), keep voices low, and ask before taking close-up photos—especially if services or religious activity is happening. Learn more about what to wear in Egypt.

Best Time to Go

Earlier in the day is usually calmer (and better for photos). Opening conditions can change, so it’s smart to plan a flexible window, especially if you’re pairing it with multiple sites in Old Cairo.

What to See Near Saint Barbara Church

Saint Barbara Church is in a powerful location for a day of exploration. It’s close to other important Old Cairo places—especially Christian Cairo. If you want a smooth, guided experience with transport, you can explore Old Cairo through our Cairo Day Trips.

For a focused cultural route, our Islamic Cairo Day Tour can also be a great fit depending on your itinerary and interests.

Quick Facts – Saint Barbara Church

• Location: Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo), near the Hanging Church and Babylon Fortress
• Also Known As: St. Barbara Church
• Religious Tradition: Coptic Orthodox
• Estimated Origin: Late 4th–early 5th century AD (as referenced in historical sources)
• Elevation: About 140 cm below street level (accessed by steps)
• Main Highlights: Traditional Orthodox layout, carved wooden screens, historic icons
• Photography: Usually allowed, but be respectful and ask if needed
• Dress Code: Modest clothing (covered shoulders & knees)

Final Thoughts: Why Saint Barbara Church Is Worth Visiting

Saint Barbara Church in Old Cairo is more than a quiet stop on a map—it’s a living piece of Egypt’s Christian heritage.
Between its layered rebuilding story, its traditional Orthodox design, and its icons and woodwork, the church offers an experience that feels both peaceful and deeply historic.

If you’re visiting Cairo for a short time, pairing Saint Barbara Church with nearby Old Cairo sites is a great way to discover a lesser-known side of the city. Travelers with more time can also extend their journey beyond Cairo—adding destinations such as Upper Egypt or a classic Nile Cruise to experience more of Egypt’s history and landscapes.

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FAQs – Saint Barbara Church in Cairo