Join Marla and I on an exhausting day of fascinating Cairo explorations. The Coptic area of Cairo is amazingly historic with ancient churches, mosques, and even a synagogue. Marla is with the women in our tour at the historic Al-Hakim_Mosque in old Cairo. Construction began in the late 10th century.

Ben-Ezra Synagogue began in 1006. There are fewer than 5 Jews living in Cairo today compared to over 80,000 in 1948. The Synagogue mainly functions as a museum.

Marla loves history and was very excited for our visit to old Cairo.

Old Cairo and one of its residents.

The Cavern Church known as Abu Serga in Coptic Christian Cairo, Egypt. The church is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt, dating back to the 4th century. The church features a crypt where the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus Christ, rested at the end of their journey into Egypt. The church is dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus, soldier-saints martyred during the 4th century in Syria by the Roman Emperor Maximian.

The entrance to the Cavern Church.

The church’s ancient interior.

Pilgrims from around the world visit this famous site.

Marla is in front of the Hanging_Church, one of the oldest in Cairo dating from the 3rd century.

The entrance to the historic “Hanging Church”is also known as Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church. There are between 10 million and 15 million Coptic Christians in Egypt making them the largest Christian community in the Middle East.

Inside the church.

Cairo’s ancient “City of the Dead” cemetery.

In the courtyard of the Bayt al-Suhaymi, a historic house, built in 1648 for a wealthy merchant. It is now a museum.

Marla admires one of the beautiful rooms.

The beautiful home transports one back to ancient times.

The colorful El Fishawy Cafe in the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar area.

The Al-Aqmar Mosque, also known as the “Moonlight Mosque”, on Al-Muizz Street was built in 1125 AD.

Our group enters the ancient “Qalawun Complex.” First built in 1284 it is a multifunctional site which originally had a hospital, a madrasa (religious school), and a mausoleum.

The interior of the stunning Sultan Qalawun Mausoleum.

Happy and tired adventurers.

After our tours of churches, mosques, and the synagogue we went to Naguib Mahfouz restaurant in the Khan El Khalili Market for lunch.

With our wonderful guide, Ashraf Masoud, and a waiter at the restaurant.

The Khan El Khalili Market is a bustling place with both locals and tourists.

One must be prepared for very aggressive sales people as you walk in the market. I’ve never experienced such behavior in my travels. I believe they would sell more if they just lightened up a bit.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.