Fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo
The Fortress of Babylon dates from early Roman times, when a Roman legion resided in this strategic area on the apex of the Nile Delta. Apparently it was enlarged and fortified by the Emperors Trajan (98-117 A.D.) and Arcadius (395-408). Although the Fortress was sadly ruined at the turn of this century, it is considered to be one of the best preserved military structures of Roman times. Most of the walls are built of three regular layers of red bricks alternating with five stone layers, bound together with a mortar of sand, lime, pebbles and charcoal. The walls were constructed on an irregular five sided layout with numerous semi-circular bastions.
The western side facing the Nile had no bastions but featured a drawbridge with two massive circular towers of about 33 meters in diameter, structures not common to Roman fortresses. Now, the gateway leading to the Coptic Museum stands between these two towers. The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George is built over the north tower. Another gateway facing south is flanked on both sides by two large projecting semi-circular towers leading into an inner court which can be reached from the garden of the Old Wing of the Coptic Museum. It is above this gateway that Church of Al-Mo’allaqa was built.
We have no information on the churches within the Fortress of Babylon before the Arab conquest of Egypt. But it is known that Cyrus, Bishop of Babylon, Participated at the Council of Ephesus held in 449 A.D., and his cathedral cannot have been the only church in Babylon. Moreover, beautiful pieces of woodwork dating from the churches of Saint Sergius, Saint Barbara and Al-Mo’allaqa; these are now on display in the Coptic Museum. On the other hand, it seems incongruous that these churches existed inside a fully operational Roman and Byzantine military fortress; one of them, Al-Mo’allaqa, was built above one of the gateway to the fortress.
-
Travel Experience Since 1955
Memphis Tours is one of the pioneers which have great impact on travel industry for more than 55 years of experience.
-
Personalized Travel Services
Whatever your travel dreams, together we can custom-design the perfect itinerary with highly personalized services just for you
-
We Speak Your Language
A multilingual website offers content in 6 different languages English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and German
-
Flexibility to Change
We know how important it is for travellers to have the flexibility to change their itinerary due to some reasons or force majeure
-
Your Safety and Security
A professional will accompany the guests to all of the places; they will never be left alone to fend for themselves
-
High Quality Service
We do believe honestly that quality should come first and quantity would come later and our main objective focused on (Quality is our Top Priority)
-
Customer Service 24/7
We offer Customer Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone and email for questions about our tours and services
-
Support Sustainable Tourism
We are attempting to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people
-
Secure Online Payment
Our website is protected by the world′s most secure online payment system VeriSign Secure
-
Secure Website by MacAfee
Memphis Tours website is a McAfee Secure site that helps keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud and spyware