The Saint Simon the Tanner complex in Mokattam is one of the most spectacular spaces in Cairo: it includes the Cave Church, a monastery, and other attractions. It is, therefore, one of the most important places of Christian worship in the Egyptian capital, and also an awe-inspiring site for anyone, whether a believer in this religion or not. In this post, we explain in depth what this iconic complex consists of.
We also remind you that Egipto Exclusivo is part of Mandala Tours, a group of agencies focused on the Middle East and North Africa, but covering many other destinations worldwide; we approach religions as cultural bridges between different travelers, which unite rather than divide.
Where the Cave Church of Cairo is located
Despite being a place of Christian worship, the Cave Church is not in the Coptic Quarter, which is the area of the historic center where other sacred spaces are located, such as the Hanging Church or Saint Sergius. In this case, it is in the eastern periphery of the city, next to the Manshiyat Naser neighborhood, on the rocky heights of Mokattam, about 6 km from the center (Tahrir Square).
In fact, this natural barrier is at the origin of the sacred complex: legend has it that in the 9th century, the local saint Saint Simon the Tanner interceded in a theological dispute between the Coptic Pope and the Caliph al-Mu’izz, moving these mountains and creating the original cave (smaller than the current one), demonstrating to the latter the strength of the Christian faith and leading to his abdication and conversion (an episode not recognized by the Muslim population).
What this place is like
The Cave Church and its surroundings are spectacular for several reasons. Its main site is the aforementioned church, which occupies a huge cavern, originally natural (or miraculous) and subsequently expanded to reach its current dimensions. Instead of having columned aisles, the space for the parishioners is a huge tiered seating area with a capacity for about 20,000 people, according to some sources. Unlike other churches, the altar is located in a lower space, as if it were the stage of an ancient Greek theater. Around it, on the rocky walls, are large sculpted reliefs depicting biblical scenes.
In addition to this church, the complex features the Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, built specifically for the secluded life of its monks, right at the spot where the tomb of the said saint was discovered. As a point of interest, it should be noted that for the construction of this monastery, back in the 20th century, the help of the garbage collectors who lived in the nearby neighborhood of Manshiyat Naser was enlisted, which is why it is also known as the Garbage Church.
What to visit and what to do
The Cave Church is free to access and can be visited without problems when there are no religious services inside. The same applies to the monastery, which allows entry to certain public spaces within the complex: its decoration and furniture are recent, having been built at the end of the 20th century, but its state of conservation is very good, reinforcing the sacred character for those who visit it.
Between the church and the monastery, there is a public space resembling a square that not only allows for walking but also for ‘flight’: a zip line crosses through the air, so that those who wish to can launch themselves into the void and contemplate the complex from above, as well as panoramic views of the megacity of Cairo in the distance, in a descent that is not particularly fast but is very special.
