The Hanging Church is one of the most ancient churches in Egypt. The date of construction is considered to be the 3rd century AD, and it got its name because of its interesting location: it stands in the gate of the Babylonian fortress, as if “hanging” between the towers. The church is associated with a legend that the parents of Christ stayed in it, fleeing from King Herod. This church has no domes, the wooden ceiling resembles Noah's Ark, and the floor is made of palm trunks, which are laid directly on the fortress wall.

Like most Cairo churches, the Hanging Church has gone through a number of restoration processes. Only the part located to the right of the sanctuary, above the southern bastion, is considered the original. But despite this, it is one of the most impressive churches in the city, famous for its marble pulpit, inlaid screens and paintings. In the baptistery, on the right, one of the floor panels has been cut out so that visitors can see the Water Gate below. One of the twin towers standing on the gate is clearly visible from here.