Cave Church and Garbage City Tour in Mokattam, Cairo

  • 4 Hours
  • Cairo

$60 / person

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Overview

The Monastery of St. Simon sits at the top of Manshiyat Naser, the Mokattam neighborhood where Cairo's Zabbaleen collect and sort much of the city's rubbish. Its main church is carved into the cliff and seats around 20,000 people, and the rock faces around it are covered in biblical carvings. Your guide tells the community's story on the drive up through the neighborhood.

Highlights & Attractions

  • The Cave Church.

Itinerary

  1. 01

    The Cave Church.

    Enjoy a unique and inspiring journey to the Cave Church of the Zabbaleen, one of Cairo’s most extraordinary hidden gems, located in the heart of Mokattam Mountain. Your tour begins with a scenic drive toward the Mokattam area, passing through the local community known as the “Zabbaleen” (Garbage Collectors), offering a glimpse into a distinctive and resilient way of life that is deeply connected to the history of the area. Upon arrival, you will enter the monastery complex of Saint Simon, a remarkable religious site carved directly into the rock. As you explore the Cave Church, you will be amazed by its massive open-air amphitheater-style design, which can accommodate thousands of worshippers. The walls are beautifully adorned with intricate carvings and biblical scenes sculpted into the mountain itself, creating a powerful blend of art, faith, and nature. During the visit, you will learn about the story of Saint Simon the Tanner and the miracle associated with the Mokattam Mountain, an important event in Coptic Christian tradition. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the dramatic natural surroundings, offers a truly spiritual and unforgettable experience. At the end of the tour, you will leave with a deeper appreciation of this unique community, its strong faith, and one of the most visually stunning religious landmarks in Egypt.

What's Included

Included

  • Pickup & Drop Off.
  • All Transfers by Air-Conditioned Vehicle.
  • Private Driver.
  • Expert Tour Guide.
  • Entrance Fees.
  • Lunch.

Not included

  • Any Extras.
  • Personal Items.
  • Gratuities.

Prices

Price per person by group size
Group size Price per person
Per adult $60
Per child Free
Per infant Free

Book this tour

Price per person

$60

Guests
Total $0.00

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