Embarking on a day tour to St. Simon Monastery, Cave Church, Garbage City, and Coptic Cairo promises a transformative expedition. Delving deep into the soul of Egypt’s cultural and spiritual heritage. This journey isn’t just a physical exploration. It’s an odyssey into the heart of the country’s faith, resilience, and the vivid tapestry of its communities. Enjoy St Simon Monastery&Cave Church&Garbage City and Coptic Cairo.
The Monastery of St. Simon, also known as the Cave Church, is a remarkable religious site located in the Mokattam Hills near Cairo, Egypt. Established in the late 20th century, this monastery is part of a larger community known as Garbage City, which is home to a significant population of Zabbaleen, or garbage collectors. The Zabbaleen community has been integral to Cairo’s waste management system for decades, collecting and recycling the city’s waste. The juxtap of the monastery’s serene spiritual environment with the surrounding urban challenges highlights the resilience and faith of the local community.
The Cave Church, carved into the rock of the Mokattam Hills, is a stunning architectural feat that serves as the centerpiece of the Monastery of St. Simon. The church was built in the 1970s and is notable for its impressive size and unique design. It can accommodate thousands of worshippers and features a large altar, intricate carvings, and beautiful murals depicting biblical scenes. The natural acoustics of the cave enhance the experience of worship, making it a popular venue for religious ceremonies and gatherings. The church is dedicated to St. Simon, a revered figure in the Coptic Orthodox Church, who is believed to have performed miracles and is associated with the healing of the sick.
The Monastery of St. Simon serves as a spiritual refuge for the Zabbaleen community and other Coptic Christians in Cairo. It provides a place for worship, reflection, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging and support among its members. The monastery’s location in Garbage City is symbolic of the resilience of faith in the face of adversity. The Zabbaleen, who often face social stigma and economic challenges, find solace in their spiritual practices and the sense of community that the monastery offers. The church also plays a vital role in preserving Coptic traditions and promoting cultural heritage, serving as a center for religious education and outreach.
Garbage City, officially known as Manshiyat Naser, is a unique urban settlement that has developed around the waste management practices of the Zabbaleen. This community has been collecting and recycling Cairo’s waste for generations, often working in challenging conditions. The Zabbaleen are known for their resourcefulness, sorting through garbage to find recyclable materials, which they sell to support their families. Despite the difficult living conditions, the community has developed a strong sense of identity and solidarity, with many families living in close-knit neighborhoods.
Life in Garbage City is marked by both challenges and triumphs. The community faces significant obstacles, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and social marginalization. However, the Zabbaleen have demonstrated remarkable resilience, creating a sustainable waste management system that has garnered international attention. Their efforts have not only contributed to environmental sustainability but have also provided livelihoods for thousands of families. The Monastery of St. Simon stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, offering hope and inspiration to those who seek a better life amidst adversity.
The Monastery of St. Simon and the surrounding community have become a focal point for cultural and social initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. Various organizations and NGOs have partnered with the Zabbaleen to provide education, healthcare, and vocational training, empowering individuals to break the cycle of poverty. The monastery also hosts events and programs that promote social cohesion and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of pride in the community’s heritage.
The Monastery of St. Simon and the Cave Church represent a unique intersection of spirituality, community, and resilience in the heart of Cairo. They serve as a beacon of hope for the Zabbaleen and a reminder of the power of faith in overcoming adversity. As the community continues to navigate the challenges of urban life, the monastery remains a vital source of support, inspiration, and cultural preservation. The story of the Monastery of St. Simon and Garbage City is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the capacity for transformation in the face of hardship.
This day tour isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a poignant narrative that celebrates faith, community, and the enduring human spirit. Departing from these sacred sites isn’t just a return from a tour; it’s a departure filled with newfound reverence for the resilience, faith, and rich cultural heritage deeply etched within the heart of Egypt.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza by Ancient Egypt Tours representative, starting visit Cave church, Saint Simon Church, or the Tanner Monastery lies in the Mokattam Mountain, near Garbage city or in Arabic language El Zabbaleen city. This monastery is carved into the Mokattam Mountain in 1975. It houses many Coptic churches. Saint Simon Church is one of the hidden treasures in Egypt and the Middle East. It is famous for its design, taking the shape of amphitheater. It is considered the biggest church in Egypt, as it accommodates 20 thousand people. St. Simon St. Simon worked as a tanner, lived at the end of the 10th century. He was in charge of the legend of the transferring the Mokattam Mountain. The Garbage City The garbage city or El Zabbaleen city in the Arabic language is famous for its populations are working in collecting, sorting, and recycling the garbage.
At the end of the Tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 50 $ |
| 2 -3 | 25 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 20 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 15 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 12 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
