World by City

Temples & religious sites

Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

Open in Maps
Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

Overview

Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral serves as the central seat of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo's Abbassia district. Travellers visit to see contemporary Coptic religious architecture, view the shrine dedicated to Saint Mark, and explore an active center of Egypt's Christian heritage. The grounds provide a calm environment distinct from central Cairo's busier street markets.

Getting There

From central Cairo, the site is approximately 5 to 7 kilometres northeast. A taxi or rideshare takes around 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. You can also take Cairo Metro Line 3 to the Abbassia station, which sits a short walk from the entrance.

Time to Spend

Plan to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour to see the main hall, lower crypt, and courtyard.

When to Visit

Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter. The complex sees large crowds during Sunday liturgies and major Christian feast days, which may restrict casual sightseeing. Visitors should dress modestly, keeping shoulders and knees covered.

Nearby Attractions

You can pair a visit with historical sites located slightly south in Islamic Cairo:

  • Al-Hakim Mosque: 2.3km
  • Al-Aqmar Mosque: 2.6km
  • Al-Hussein Mosque: 3km
  • Khan el-Khalili: 3km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Cairo hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Good to visit alongside

Al-Hakim Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Al-Hakim Mosque

This mosque in Cairo was begun in 990 by Caliph al-Aziz and completed in 1013 by his son, al-Hakim. It reflects the history of the Fatimid dynasty and takes its name from al-Hakim.

2.3 km away

Al-Aqmar Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Al-Aqmar Mosque

A 12th-century Fatimid-era mosque located on Al-Muizz Street in Cairo's old town. It's famed for its richly decorated facade, making it a great stop for exploring Fatimid architecture.

2.6 km away

Al-Hussein Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Al-Hussein Mosque

Located near the Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo, this mosque is one of Egypt's most important shrines, housing the tomb of an Islamic saint. It sits close to Al-Azhar Mosque, making the two easy to visit together.

3.0 km away

Khan el-Khalili

Shopping & districts

Khan el-Khalili

This historic market sits in Cairo's old town and has operated since the Mamluk era. Browsing traditional crafts and souvenirs while bargaining is part of the fun.

3.0 km away

Islamic Cairo

Shopping & districts

Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo is the old quarter of Cairo that took shape after the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, encompassing the area around the Citadel, historic cemeteries, and Old Cairo with its Coptic Christian sites. Here you can walk streets where Islamic and Christian heritage coexist.

3.2 km away

Al-Azhar Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Al-Azhar Mosque

The oldest mosque in Cairo, Egypt, built in 970. It's the site that earned Cairo its nickname "City of a Thousand Minarets," making it a great place to take in both history and architecture.

3.2 km away