The Coptic Church of Holy Virgin Mary also known as the Hanging Church (El Muallaqa) is one of the oldest in Egypt and there are references to a church in this part of Cairo in the 3rd century.
The name of the Hanging Church comes from being located on one of the gates of the Babylon Fortress, a Roman fortress. The first travelers called it "the Church of the Staircase" because you have to climb 29 steps to enter it. The ground level has risen six meters since Roman times, so that the tower is mostly buried, so the elevated position of the church is less appreciated.
Entrance from the street is through iron gates under a pointed stone arch. The 19th century façade with twin bell towers is seen as you pass a narrow courtyard decorated with modern biblical motifs. Up the stairs and past the entrance there is another small courtyard that leads to the 11th century outer portico.