The Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner is not on the tourist circuit. The monastery, located in Moqattam Mountain, is a well-kept secret, known only to pilgrims, art lovers, historians, and adventure seekers. Come join the select group of devotees of this marvelous half-day getaway in southeastern Cairo.
Overview:
The monastery is located in the neighborhood known locally as Manshiyat Nasr. You may have heard it referred to as “Garbage City.” The colorful nickname is derived from the prevalence of trash sorting operations in the area. Begin your adventure by winding your way up the road leading to the monastery entrance. An impressive main gate opens into the monastery compound, bordered on one side by the towering walls of Moqattam Mountain and opening up on the other to an amazing vista of inner-city Cairo. (Read to the end of this post for some “insider tips” on what to look for when gazing out over the city).
Your eyes will be automatically drawn to the massive carvings on the wall of the mountain. The carvings feature scenes and verses from the New Testament.
Step further into the compound and you will find two churches nestled within the natural caves of the mountainside. The biggest – “St. Simon the Tanner Hall and St. Mark’s Church” – will be on your left. Enter directly to the left of the two domed towers topped with crosses. The smaller but equally stunning cave church (“St. Paula”) is further along the road and down a narrow causeway on your right.
Once you have explored these extraordinary churches, top your visit off with some fun at the Mario High Ropes Course. Wait, a ropes course? At a monastery? Yes! People ask me all the time to help them plan their outing to the St. Simon the Tanner Monastery and the Mario High Ropes Course. Read on for all the details you will need to plan a successful trip.
How do I get there? The simplest way is, of course, to hire a driver. Uber both drops off and picks up at this location. You might consider ordering a driver to take you and wait (plan on three hours if you also intend to spend time at the ropes course). If you have your own vehicle and are a savvy driver, take yourself! The streets are narrow and a bit rough, but the way is straightforward and even an SUV can pass through. The truly intrepid adventurer can take a minibus to any of the entrances to the Manshiyat Nasr neighborhood and then hire a TukTuk (10LE) to take you to the monastery entrance.
What amenities can I expect in the monastery compound? Entrance to the monastery is free. At the main gate, guards will ask to see your ID and may record your number in a log book. It is possible they may ask you to leave your ID with them and to pick it up when you leave. This is all normal. There are decent bathrooms in the monastery compound (across the road from the big cave church). As always, it is best to come stocked with your own hand sanitizer and toilet paper. A bit down the hill from the restrooms you will find a basic snack shop. Here you can buy cold drinks, chips, sweets, etc. for the standard prices.
What is the Mario High Ropes Course, how much does it cost, and do I need a reservation? Great questions. The Facebook page refers to the ropes course as a “team,” but really it is a multi-level ropes course with something for everyone. In other words, you do not need to join “the team” to try out the course. The course opens at 11 and takes reservations until 3pm. Call or text 01020511597 or 01001752498 for reservations (WhatsApp and English are fine). If you forget to call and/or cannot make reservations in advance, and if you are a small group, they may be able to accommodate you as a walk-in. The ropes course offers a rock climbing wall, “low ropes” (which may be challenging even for adults), “high ropes” (definitely challenging for anyone), zipline, the “captain,” the “giant swing,” and a “mini Via Ferrata.” Pricing (at this time) is as follows:
Price (EGP):
Rock Wall =80
Low Ropes =100
High Ropes=140
Captain =150
Zipline =150
Giant Swing =150
Mini Via Ferrata=160
In addition to the links above, take a look at these photos and imagine yourself taking the plunge. Scroll through and meet me at the end for an “insider’s tip.”
Folks who prefer to keep their feet securely on the ground (thank you very much) will have plenty to do as they look up and take pictures of their daredevil friends and family above them. Ground-level complimentary amenities include a low-level zipline, multi-level balance beams, swings, and exotic animals–monkeys and snakes, anyone? The ropes course also offers stunning views, a comfortable and shady seating area with a lovely large table perfect for a picnic lunch, a small cafe, and a clean bathroom.
Insider’s Tip: A final word about this astonishing vista I keep going on about: take a moment (or ten) and read up on the epic 50-building wide “Perception” mural. The mural is largely viewable from the ropes course varanda and its creation was greatly supported by the ropes course staff.
Ask the staff to show you a copy of the gorgeous book documenting the entire project. This mural may be my favorite aspect of the entire experience, so don’t miss it!
To sum up: a visit to the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner is a half-day of art, history, and adventure that will please your thrill-seeking kids, your history-loving spouse, and even your high-maintenance guests. Get out there and enjoy it!
Photo credit: Abanoub Melad
