Carved walls (detail)

Church of St. Serguis and Bacchus (Cavern Church)

"The church is dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus, who were soldier-saints martyred during the 4th century in Syria by the Roman Emperor Maximian. The most interesting feature is the crypt where Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus are said to have rested. The crypt is 10 meters deep and, when Nile levels are high, is often flooded. The crypt is over the eastern wall of the canal in Old Cairo.[1]

The Church was built in the 4th century and was probably finished during the 5th century. It was burned during the fire of Fustat during the reign of Marwan II around 750. It was then restored during the 8th century, and has been rebuilt and restored constantly since medieval times; however, it is still considered to be a model of the early Coptic churches. Again, the most precious and ancient of the icons are on the southern wall."

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints_Sergius_and_Bacchus_Church

Cairo, Egypt

AIMG 2971