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Cairo's Garbage city literally consists of it. The stench is not for lacking mettle, views from your car's windows bring back memories of how nice life in your country is. But if these windows are closed and A/C is on then the stench stays outside and you will be rewarded for your resilience - the church is excellent! The Copts built and sanctified it not that long time ago, in 1975. They did it without any help from the authorities, through crowdfunding. It looks very impressive, even gorgeous. Erected on the hill it's safe from the Garbage city miasms and believers inside do not look like slumdogs or slabs at all - well-groomed, elegantly dressed, smelling with perfume, not with rotting filth. It's allowed to both film and take pictures there - just respect those who came to prey. A beauty.…
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Date of experience: November 2020
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I just love this place. It is peaceful and the rock carvings are incredible. The story of the miracle of Mokattam is also very special.
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Date of experience: March 2020
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Part of the appeal of the Cave Church was the route we had to take to get there. We travelled through Garbage City where the recycling for the city of Cairo is done. All modes of transportation were observed and we saw how the people of Cairo lived. We met a group of wonderfully curious school children at the church, many of whom spoke English and all of whom wanted to have their picture taken with us. One of the highlights of our trip. The cave itself is huge and very impressive. A site not to be missed. …
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Date of experience: February 2020
1 Helpful vote
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Despite its slumish appearance, Garbage City is home to the largest church in the Middle East - Saint Simon Church (also called the Cave Church) - and is a fascinating feat of architectural design. This is a Coptic Christian church which is carved out of rock and is used by the Garbage City Christians as a place of worship and also rented out for concerts and performances. It seats over 15,0000 people and its natural acoustics make it a perfect spot to listen to music or an inspiring sermon. We went with a guide so we were able to drive right up to the entrance. It was an interesting drive through the neighbourhood where the term recycling it taken very seriously. Fascinating.…
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Date of experience: May 2019
2 Helpful votes
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Hire a guide to take you to the church. It is literally carved out of the side of the stone mountain. Worth a half-day tour. You'll also see the hanging church.
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Date of experience: February 2020
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