The Church of the Holy Virgin
A Resting Place of the Holy Family
The Church of the Holy Virgin in Babylon El-Darag (Babylon of the Steps), is another one of the many amazing Christian Coptic Churches within the capital city Cairo. Built in the 11th century AD, it is known to be one of the resting places of the Holy Family on their brief travel to Egypt. Visitors will be able to visit the Church of the Holy Virgin as it is just nearby the Babylon Fortress in Old Cairo.
123EgyptTours.com offers comprehensive and specialized tours around the vibrant and dynamic Cairo. You will be able to experience unbridled fun and adventure as you enjoy new discovery of a history that took hundreds of years in the making.
History of the Church of the Holy Virgin
The Church of the Holy Virgin in Babylon El-Darag was witness to an amazing history starting from the day that it was completely built. It has been for a time occupied by several of the Christian Coptic Popes and seven of those where even buried there including the remains of the Pope Zacharias.
Because of its significance in the Christian Coptic faith, it is known that Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria used to pray in this church before he became Pope. Today visitors will not only enjoy the great architectural design of the Church, but as well as the relics of the saints Demiana and Simon the Tanner.
According to stories and traditions, it has been a resting place for the Holy Family when they were visiting Egypt. Additionally many stories also claimed that Saint Mark and Saint Peter visited the site of the church, and the latter saint sent his epistle here.
The plan and design of the entire Coptic Church to this day will amaze any visitor, as it has been designed since the 11th AD, it is well maintained even if the surrounding land area of the whole church has risen to above 10 meters high. Thus there is a flight of steps that will bring you down towards the entrance area of the Church.
It is called the Church of the Holy Virgin since the most part of the sanctuary was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Understand more about the Christian Coptic faith in Egypt as well as the other religions that abound in this country as you join any day tours or any of the itineraries. You will surely not only enjoy but also learn something new and exciting.
