Visit the Coptic Cave Church of Saint Simon in Garbage City, Cairo – A Unique Spiritual & Cultural Experience"
Tour snapshot
6 Hours
Cairo
Half Day
Overview
Discover the extraordinary Coptic Cave Church of Saint Simon, nestled in Cairo's Garbage City (Mokattam Mountain), a remarkable blend of spirituality, history, and local culture. Also known as the Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, this church is carved into the rock and offers stunning views over the city. Experience the history of the Zabaleen community, who manage Cairo's waste, and learn about their incredible devotion and history in this unique and lesser-known attraction.
Included/Excluded
Emo Tours Egypt
Member Since Oct 2024
Select Dates
{{type.name}}
{{type.display_price}} per person
Guests
Extra prices:
-
{{total_without_discount_html}} {{total_price_html}}
- {{pay_now_price_html}}
Guest in maximum
BOOK NOW Book NowImportant information
- Morning
- 1 to 4 hours
- English
- Italian
- Spanish
- Germany
- Arabic
- Private Tours
Itinerary
Coptic Cave Church of Saint Simon and Garbage City Tour Morning: Pick-up from Hotel: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo. Drive to Mokattam Mountain: En route, enjoy a glimpse of the fascinating Garbage City (Zabaleen), home to one of Cairo's most resilient communities.
Visit to the Coptic Cave Church of Saint Simon: Explore the Church of Saint Simon, a large cave church carved into the mountain’s rocks. Hear the story of its construction, its significance to the Coptic Christian community, and its connection to Saint Simon, the patron saint of the Zabaleen. Admire the intricate carvings, the murals depicting scenes from the Bible, and the peaceful ambiance that contrasts with the surrounding urban landscape.
Explore the Garbage City: Take a walking tour through Garbage City, learning about the Zabaleen community who recycle waste and the fascinating way they live and work. Discover their tradition of religious devotion, including their contributions to the church and local communities.
Lunch: Enjoy traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant in Mokattam, offering panoramic views of Cairo.
Afternoon: Visit the Monastery of Saint Simon: Continue to the nearby Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, an important pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians. View from the Mountain: Take in breathtaking views of Cairo from the mountain's peak, where the church is located.
Return to Hotel: After the tour, your guide will take you back to your hotel.
FAQs about
Visit the Coptic Cave Church of Saint Simon in Garbage City, Cairo – A Unique Spiritual & Cultural Experience"
The Coptic Cave Church of Saint Simon is a unique and historic church carved into the rocks of Mokattam Mountain in Cairo. It is an important site for the Coptic Christian community and is associated with Saint Simon the Tanner, the patron saint of the Zabaleen, the garbage collectors of Cairo.
Garbage City, also known as Mokattam, is a community in Cairo made up primarily of the Zabaleen people. They are known for their waste collection and recycling work, processing Cairo's waste into reusable materials. The community is famous for their unique way of life, often living among the waste they collect and being deeply committed to their religious practices.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. It offers an educational experience about local culture, history, and the environment. However, some parts of the tour involve walking through the mountain and areas of the city with rough terrain, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
The full tour typically lasts around 4-6 hours, depending on the time spent at each site and the specific itinerary.
While there is no strict dress code, it's respectful to wear modest clothing, especially when visiting the Coptic church. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.
While it's possible to visit these sites on your own, it's highly recommended to join a guided tour for a richer experience. Local guides can offer insights into the history, cultural context, and significance of the church and the community.
There are no specific age restrictions. However, the tour involves some walking through rocky areas, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Tours are typically available in English, Arabic, French, and other languages upon request. Always confirm the language preference when booking the tour.
Yes, photography is allowed in most areas. However, it is advised to ask your guide for any restrictions regarding photography inside the church or the community spaces.
Yes, lunch will be provided at a local restaurant where you can try traditional Egyptian dishes. Water and light snacks are also available during the tour.
Guest reviews
You might also like
Top Cairo Tours: Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum & Bazaar Day Tour"
Cairo
Cairo Tour: Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Khan El Khalili Bazaar – Full Day Guided Experience
Cairo
Cairo Tour: Egyptian Museum, Citadel, and Old Cairo – Full-Day Historical Exploration
Cairo
