The Hanging Church — Al-Mu'allaqa in Arabic, "the suspended one" — is the most visited of Coptic Cairo's ancient churches and one of the oldest continuously used Christian churches in the world. It sits atop the south gate of the Roman Fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo, its nave literally suspended over the ancient passageway below.
The interior is beautiful in a quiet, worn-smooth way: carved cedar screens, Coptic icons, inlaid marble pulpit, and the smell of incense that has saturated the walls over 16 centuries. The ceiling is panelled in dark wood. The 110 marble columns dividing the nave from the aisles are said to represent the apostles.
The church is active — Mass is held daily — and is most atmospheric during the liturgy, when the Coptic chanting fills the ancient space. Entry is free and visitors are welcome outside service times. From the entrance courtyard, a staircase leads directly off the street to the raised level of the church.