Simon the Tanner Cairo

The miracle of El-Mokattam

Farah from Cairo

"The monastery of St "Simon the Tanner" in Cairo is an architectural wonder and a true work of art. Where else will you find a monastery carved in stone?"

Within the mesmerizing mountain of El-Mokattam, where this monastery was sculpted, lies one of the most iconic Coptic artifacts in Egypt.

The scene I get upon entering this monastery makes the hard journey where I've had to pass by Cairo's garbage city all worth it - where else can one find a monastery sculpted into a mountain?

In addition to visiting the monastery, there’s a number of activities that you can do in the mountainous area like rock climbing, zip-lining, high roping and low roping.

The story of this monastery is about St. Simon the Tanner who was the man behind the miracle of moving El-Mokattam mountain from the east of Cairo to its current position. The area includes 6 churches, all of which have their own stories and design. The icons and the Bible verses sculpted on the walls of the mountain are some of the most notable characteristics of the monastery, it's a work of art and an architectural wonder. This place is a must-visit for everyone visiting Cairo.

Art & culture

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Cairo Spotter Farah

About me I study journalism and I love to read. I’m always looking for stories in the places and the people around me. Although it’s not easy for me to go around and talk to people, I’ve recently built up the courage to do so, especially since my field of study counts on it. In the end, I am grateful for all this, since that’s how I got the chance to make some really good memories and experience more than I could ever have experienced. Why Cairo Cairo is very big and very old, which makes it full of stories. I believe that there’s no neighborhood in Cairo ...

About this spot

El-Mokattam

no-price

Oct 24, 2025

Our Cairo City Guide

Find your way with 120 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Cairo guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Cairo

Zahrat El Bustan

The Egyptian coffee shop

"Zahrat El Bustan" is my favorite qahwa, or coffee shop, in downtown Cairo. It has built up quite a reputation for itself in the 80 years it's been open...

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Osama

Abdelrahman

Dec 2, 2025

Abla Restaurant

When quail is on the grill

"Abla Restaurant" in Cairo is a grill restaurant whose specialties include grilled quail and camel liver, both oriental dishes that aren't so easy to find!

Restaurants

Ahmed

Khodeer

Dec 2, 2025

Nile Crystal Restaurant

Dine on the Nile

"Nile Crystal Restaurant" is a boat that takes you on a two-hour cruise on the Nile with an open buffet! I recommend it during Ramadan for Iftar or Sohor!

Restaurants

Ahmed

Khodeer

Dec 2, 2025

The Waterway

Elegant night

"The Waterway" in New Cairo is full of a wide range of restaurants & cafes to suit any taste. With so many options, you can decide what to eat on the spot.

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks

Mohamed

Khaled

Dec 2, 2025

The Courtyard Maadi

Restaurant square

"The Courtyard Maadi" in Cairo brings together various restaurants with beautiful views over the square. I recommend visiting Café Supreme for the pasta!

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Osama

Abdelrahman

Dec 2, 2025

Fathy Ibrahim

Egyptian silver & gifts

"Fathy Ibrahim" in Cairo is an ancient silver and gifts shop, established more than 90 years ago in 1928. I like it cause I'm a big lover of silver gifts!

Art & culture

Shopping

Olfat

Al-Qadi

Dec 2, 2025

Concord Plaza

Restaurants and cafes

"Concord Plaza" in New Cairo is a blast of fresh air from the city traffic. Here you'll find more than 30 different restaurants and cafes from all over!

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks