The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa) is so named because it was built on top of the southern, tower gate of an old Babylon fortress in Old Cairo and the church's nave use to be suspended above/over the passage/road. (Muallaqa translates to 'suspended.')

It is the most famous Coptic Christian church in Cairo and was the first built in Basilcan style.

It is thought to have been built in the 7th century on the site of an older 4th century church that was built on top of the Roman walls.

Regardless of historical speculation, it is an imposing piece of architecture.