Church of Saint Eugénie

The Church of Saint Eugénie is the oldest church in Port Said, built in the mid-19th century in the early years of the city's existence. It was named after Empress Eugénie of France, who was the most prominent of the international dignitaries present at the 1869 opening of the Suez Canal.

The building sits in the old European quarter, which retains more of its original 19th-century character than most of Port Said. The church's exterior is modest, but the interior is carefully maintained. It still serves the small Catholic community of the city and holds regular services.

things to do sight architecture
A story
The church was named in honour of Empress Eugénie of France, who attended the inaugural celebrations of the Suez Canal in 1869. It was the first permanent church built in Port Said — the city itself was only founded in 1859, and for the first decade worshippers made do with temporary structures. Eugénie's visit gave the new building its most illustrious patron and its enduring name.