Many people don't realize that Egypt was once overwhelmingly Christian. In fact, it was a safe haven for early Christians at a time when they were heavily persecuted in other parts of the world. There is still a large and active Christian community in Egypt. Known as Copts, the Christians in this part of the world have their own pope and use their own language for religious services. Coptic Cairo is part of "Old Cairo" and is the center of the Coptic religion. With narrow cobblestone streets and high stone walls, it looks like something right out of medieval Europe.

This was one of my favorite spots in Cairo. It was quiet, we weren't hassled by touts and the history was palpable. The area grew out of the 2nd century Roman fortress of Babylon. Over time, the fortress became something of a Christian stronghold with over 20 churches in an area of about 1 km sq. The Church & Monastery of St. George, the Church of Saints Sergius & Bacchus and the Church of St, Barbara all lie within the compound, as does the Hanging Church. There is more to the neighborhood than churches however. A small and blissfully quiet bazaar, the remains of the old Roman fortress of Babylon-in-Egypt and even Egypt's oldest synagogue - Ben Ezra - lie within the walls.