Temples & religious sites
Church of St. George
Overview
The Church of St. George is a Greek Orthodox place of worship located inside the Babylon Fortress. It is the only round church building in Egypt, featuring a circular rotunda design built directly onto ancient Roman fortification walls.
Getting There
From central Cairo, take Cairo Metro Line 1 to Mar Girgis station, which exits right at the site entrance. The train ride takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. A taxi or rideshare from downtown takes between 20 and 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Time to Spend
Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes to see the interior chapel and the exterior courtyard.
When to Visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest visit. Sunday mornings are busier due to religious services, and organized tour groups often arrive by midday. The cooler months from October to April provide the best weather for walking around the area.
Nearby Attractions
You can combine your visit with other historic sites within walking distance:
- Coptic Museum (0km): Located adjacent to the church entrance.
- Babylon Fortress (0.1km): The surviving Roman fortress towers in the complex.
- Hanging Church (0.1km): A historic church built over a Roman bastion.
- Mosque of Amr ibn al-As (0.5km): An early Islamic mosque a short walk north.
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors