St. Mary's Church in Haret Zeweila - El Gamaliya

Arbre Sacré / Source
Le Grand Caire

One of Cairo's oldest and most historically significant Coptic monuments, dating back to the 4th century AD. Located in the historic Fatimid district of El Gamaliya, it serves as a vital landmark along the Holy Family's flight to Egypt.

  • It features a well and a grotto where the Holy Family took refuge.
  • It houses two convents for nuns.
  • It is one of the most significant Christian archaeological sites and is considered a major center of Coptic heritage.
  • It served as the seat of the Patriarchate, and twenty-eight Patriarchs are interred there.

The Proposed Plan:

  • Demolition of three buildings at the entrance to widen it from the direction of Port Said Street.
  • Construction of a tourism services center and a bus terminal for tourists.