Old Coptic Cemetery of Cairo, Cairo
In the heart of Old Cairo's ancient quarters, lies one of the prettiest cemeteries in Egypt. Picturesque and serene, the Old Coptic Cemetery is a poignant testament to the eternal journey of the soul.
This burial ground is believed to have been in use since the early centuries of Christianity, around the early medieval period. As such, this is one of Egypt's oldest continuously used cemeteries, with some graves dating back more than a thousand years. Many a prominent Coptic figure has been laid to rest here.
Coptic Christians have unique burial practices, including specific rituals and ceremonies conducted by the church clergy. If you happen to be here when a funeral takes place, you may witness the ancient Egyptian custom of wailing at funerals. Oftentimes, women cry so loud that the entire compound learns of the departure of their loved one.
The cemetery is known for its collection of unique and intricately carved tombstones and mausoleums. Many graves display Coptic artwork and inscriptions, wonderfully ornate with statues of angels, saints, doves, crosses, and the like.
Echoing with whispered echoes of countless generations, this ancient necropolis carries the weight of centuries, embracing the serenity of eternity amid the delicate dance of fading light and somber shadows...
This burial ground is believed to have been in use since the early centuries of Christianity, around the early medieval period. As such, this is one of Egypt's oldest continuously used cemeteries, with some graves dating back more than a thousand years. Many a prominent Coptic figure has been laid to rest here.
Coptic Christians have unique burial practices, including specific rituals and ceremonies conducted by the church clergy. If you happen to be here when a funeral takes place, you may witness the ancient Egyptian custom of wailing at funerals. Oftentimes, women cry so loud that the entire compound learns of the departure of their loved one.
The cemetery is known for its collection of unique and intricately carved tombstones and mausoleums. Many graves display Coptic artwork and inscriptions, wonderfully ornate with statues of angels, saints, doves, crosses, and the like.
Echoing with whispered echoes of countless generations, this ancient necropolis carries the weight of centuries, embracing the serenity of eternity amid the delicate dance of fading light and somber shadows...
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cairo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Old Coptic Cemetery of Cairo on Map
Sight Name: Old Coptic Cemetery of Cairo
Sight Location: Cairo, Egypt (See walking tours in Cairo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cairo, Egypt (See walking tours in Cairo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cairo, Egypt
Create Your Own Walk in Cairo
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
By the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Old Cairo Walking Tour
Old Cairo, otherwise known as Coptic Cairo or Masr al-Qadima, largely predates the city of Cairo as we know it. Some Egyptologists think that a settlement here existed as far back as the 6th century BC. Later, the Romans built on the site a fortress named Babylon. Today, this ancient threshold of history is still in place, its weathered ramparts and sturdy bastions bearing witness to the ebb and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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