The Church of the Virgin
Mary
The church of the Virgin Mary, which predates the other
churches in this district, was probably founded in the 10th century, though we
only find it first mentioned at the beginning of the twelfth century on the
occasion of the consecration of the new bishop of Cairo under Macarius'
patriarchate (1102-1128).
Unfortunately, the church was destroyed in 1321, but when it
was rebuilt, it had the honor of being the see of the Coptic Patriarchate.
During the following centuries, it was often remodeled and restored, with the
result that the fourteenth century structure has been notably altered. Hence,
today the original basilican structure can hardly be traced. Originally it
featured a relatively small transept and a semi-circular apse fronted by a
khurus (choir).
Today, the church measures 28 by 19 meters and stands 11.5
meters high. It comprises a narthex (entry hall), a naos (a nave with two side
aisles) and choir, along with three sanctuaries (haykal). There is also a
library that boasts a number of valuable manuscripts and we may also find a
number of important icons, including a representation of the Annunciation that
dates from about 1355 AD.
The Convent of Nuns of
the Holy Virgin Mary
A convent is annexed to the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary
at Harat Zuwaila. It was built by the Patriarch Cyril IV (1854-61). The nuns
have a chapel in the gallery on the north side of the Church.
The Church of Saint
George (Also known as the Upper Church)
This is a small church which sits atop the Church of the
Virgin Mary at Harat Zuwaila. Dedicated to Saint George, it consists only of a
nave and three sanctuaries. Just outside this church is a small chamber that
contains a shrine of the Holy Virgin Mary. Behind the latticed screen is an
icon of the Holy Virgin together with icons of saints. Apparently, for their is
little information concerning this, there is also a convent of nuns attached to
this church as well.
1. Architecturally, a triangular segment of a sphere,
bordered by arches and resulting from the interpenetration of a cubic space
(bay or room, square in plan) and a hemisphere, the latter constructed from the
circle circumscribed over the square of the plan.
2. In East Christian and Byzantine churches, the bench or
benches reserved for the clergy; arranged either in a semicircle (sometimes atmospherically) in the apse or in straight rows on either side of the
central sanctuary.