St Barbara's Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the many famous landmarks in the Coptic Cairo area. The building is located at the eastern end of the Babylonian Fortress and is one of the oldest in the city, as it was built in the 5th or 6th century AD. Like many other buildings of Coptic architecture, the church was rebuilt several times, with the most significant alterations taking place at the end of the 11th century. Next to the church are the Coptic Museum and the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga).
The church was originally dedicated to Saints Cyrus and John. When the remains of St Barbara were moved here, a separate church was built. The work was financed by Athanasius, a wealthy scribe and secretary of Abd al-Aziz ibn Marwana (between 685 and 705). The exact date of the temple's foundation is difficult to determine due to numerous reconstructions; for example, a door once removed and found during one of the church's many restorations dates back to the 4th century.
Much damage to the structure was caused by fires and earthquakes, which occurred quite often. Between 1072 and 1073, the church was rebuilt and a sarcophagus was made for the relics of St Barbara. The church was damaged again in a fire in the 12th century. Another reconstruction was carried out relatively recently, at the beginning of the 20th century.
The architectural style of the structure is basilical with a tripartite sanctuary, very reminiscent of the sanctuary of Abu Serga. Near the entrance are five marble columns that separate the central nave from the two side aisles. In the centre of the altar space is a semi-circular choir, which consists of 7 large tiers.
The Church of St Barbara is a collection of many historical and cultural treasures. The most precious artefacts have been sent to the vault of the Coptic Museum, which is only a two-minute walk from the temple.
