"A circular sanctuary rising from Roman ruins where two traditions honor the warrior saint"
Church of Saint George
Mit Damsis wa Kafr Abu Girg, Ad Dakahliya, Egypt
The Church of Saint George in Old Cairo rises from the foundations of a Roman tower, its circular form rare in the Christian world. Here Greek Orthodox and Coptic Christians both honor the warrior saint they call 'Prince of Martyrs.' In the adjacent convent, chains believed to have bound George during his torture are still wrapped around pilgrims seeking healing. The site condenses nearly two millennia of continuous worship above ancient stone.
Weather & Best Time
Plan Your Visit
Save this site and start planning your journey.
Quick Facts
Location
Mit Damsis wa Kafr Abu Girg, Ad Dakahliya, Egypt
Tradition
Site Type
Coordinates
30.0059, 31.2306
Last Updated
Jan 12, 2026
Learn More
The Church of Saint George is built upon a tower of the Roman Babylon Fortress constructed by Emperor Diocletian around 300 CE. The earliest church tradition dates to 684 CE. The current structure was rebuilt in 1909 after fire. The site serves as the principal Greek Orthodox church in Egypt while the adjacent Coptic convent preserves the chains tradition.
Origin Story
Saint George was a Roman soldier of Greek origin from Cappadocia who served in the Praetorian Guard under Emperor Diocletian. When Diocletian issued edicts persecuting Christians in 303 CE, George openly declared his faith before the Emperor. Refusing to renounce Christianity despite being offered wealth and positions, George was subjected to horrific tortures over seven years, including being bound with chains, placed on a wheel of swords, and thrown into boiling lime. Through divine intervention, according to tradition, he miraculously survived each torture. Finally, he was beheaded on April 23, 303 CE.
In Coptic tradition, the dragon that Saint George famously slays is understood as King Diocletian himself, called 'the dragon of the abyss.' The dragon-slaying legend symbolizes the victory of Christian faith over the persecuting Roman Empire. This interpretation connects to ancient Egyptian mythology where the hawk-headed god Horus defeats the crocodile-serpent Set, and the Copts see Saint George as the Christian fulfillment of this eternal battle between good and evil.
Key Figures
Saint George
مار جرجس
martyr
Roman soldier and Christian martyr, known as 'Prince of Martyrs' in Coptic tradition. Died 303 CE under Diocletian's persecution. One of the most venerated saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity.
Emperor Diocletian
historical figure
Roman Emperor (284-305 CE) who built the Babylon Fortress and launched the persecution that created George's martyrdom. His fortress now supports the martyr's shrine.
Konstantinos Parthenis
artist
Greek artist who painted the church's interior during the 1907-1909 reconstruction using traditional fresco techniques.
Spiritual Lineage
The church has been permanently under Greek Orthodox administration since the 15th century, serving as part of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St. George under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. Since 2009, the monastery's hegumen holds the rank of bishop with the title 'Bishop Babylonos' (Bishop of Babylon), connecting the ecclesiastical title to the ancient Roman fortress beneath. The adjacent Coptic convent preserves the chains tradition independently.
Know a Sacred Site We Should Include?
Help us expand our collection of sacred sites. Share your knowledge and contribute to preserving the world's spiritual heritage.