Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, reference image from Wikimedia Commons01 / 05
The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George is a striking circular landmark in Old Cairo, built above part of Babylon Fortress and visually distinct from its neighbors.
Within the Babylon Fortress area, the Greek Orthodox Church of St George stands out for its circular form, distinct from neighbouring basilican churches. Its site is associated with a fortress tower, while the present building was reconstructed after a fire in 1904, continuing an older history of worship.
The round plan draws the eye towards the centre and dome. Icons and decoration occupy a space linked to the fortification beneath it, bringing two layers together: an ancient Roman setting and a church that reshaped it. The relationship becomes clearer as you move from the exterior into the interior.
The best route depends on your starting point. Navigate to Mar Girgis Street, Old Cairo, Cairo; for Historic Cairo sites, expect to walk the final part through narrow streets.
A mosque, churches and a synagogue within a few steps of one another: the story of an Egypt where everyone lived side by side. A short, quiet route for a Friday or Saturday morning.