Description of the attraction
The Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Barbara is one of the many famous landmarks in the Coptic Cairo area. The building is located in the eastern part of the Babylonian fortress and is one of the oldest in the city, because built in the 5th or 6th century AD. Like many other structures of Coptic architecture, the temple was rebuilt several times, the most significant alterations occurred at the end of the 11th century. Next to the church are the Coptic Museum and the Temple of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga).
The church was originally dedicated to Saints Cyrus and John. When the remains of St. Barbara were brought here, a separate church was built. The work was financed by Athanasius, a wealthy scribe and secretary of Abdel-Aziz ibn Marwan (between 685 and 705). The exact date of the foundation stone of the temple is difficult to determine due to the numerous reconstructions; For example, the door, once removed and found during one of the numerous restorations of the church, dates back to the 4th century.
Fire and earthquakes, which happened quite often, caused significant damage to the structure. Between 1072 and 1073 years, the church was restored, and a sarcophagus was made for the relics of St. Barbara. The temple was again damaged by fire in the 12th century. Another reconstruction was carried out relatively recently, at the beginning of the 20th century.
The architectural style of the building - basilical with a three-sided sanctuary, is very reminiscent of the sanctuary of Abu Serg. Near the entrance are five marble columns that separate the central nave from the two side naves. In the center of the altar space there is a semicircular choir, which consists of 7 large tiers.
The Church of St. Barbara is a collection of many historical and cultural values. The most precious artifacts were sent to the vault of the Coptic Museum, which is just a two-minute walk from the temple.
