Hanging Church is the oldest in the Fustat area of Old Cairo. Known as the "Malacca" because it was built on the ruins of two ancient towers survived by an old castle called "Castle of Babylon". It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Demiana.
The outstanding church played an important role in the history of the Coptic Church. And became the seat of the patriarchs after his move from Alexandria to Fustat.
It consists of three elements: an entrance known as "Narthex", a chapel and three sanctuaries.
There are 7 altars in the church, 3 of them located in the main sanctuary, and 3 in the proper sanctuary. The Hanging Church contains 110 symbols dating back to the 8th century.
Hanging Church
The iconostasis of the central sanctuary is made of ebony ivory wood, and is adorned with the icons of the Virgin Mary and the twelve apostles.
The main altar screen is made of ebony wood, which is carved into ivory, carved into strips, showing several Coptic designs dating back to the twelfth or thirteenth century and the oldest icon in the Hanging Church dates from the 8th century.
Some steps lead to the middle portal. On either side of the entrance there is a door leading to two upper floors dedicated to the priest's residence.
In front of the entrance, the vestibule was used as a resting place for visitors.
Hanging Church
Many other artifacts from this church are now displayed in the Coptic Museum, including a ”lintel” showing Christ’s entry into ”Jerusalem” that dates from the 5th or 6th century.
There are many churches and other buildings in fortress such as: Abu Sarga, Church of the Virgin Mary, Church of Saint Barbara the Martyr, Mar Girgis (Coptic), Hanging Church, Church of the Monk Mar Girgis, Fortress of Babylon, Greek Orthodox Church Mar Girgis, Coptic Museum and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
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