St Shenouda Coptic Cathedral
A stunning Coptic cathedral in Hurghada, showcasing intricate architecture, vibrant stained-glass windows, and religious murals. Free entry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St Shenouda Coptic Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Coptic cathedral in Hurghada, showcasing intricate architecture, vibrant stained-glass windows, and religious murals. Free entry.
"Inside, the architecture is intricate and simply astounding, featured primarily on the stained-glass windows and the painted ceilings."
👗 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders, knees, and hair. Essential for entry and showing respect.
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the beauty of the cathedral without an entry fee. Donations are welcome.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Interior Architecture
Main Sanctuary
Marvel at the astounding interior, featuring stunning stained-glass windows, painted ceilings, and vibrant religious murals.
Vibrant Religious Murals
Altar Area
Admire the detailed religious paintings and murals above the altar, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Coptic Christianity.
Second Sanctuary
Lower Level
Discover a second church beneath the main cathedral, built to accommodate larger congregations during special holidays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Modestly for Respect
Free Entry, Spiritual Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders, knees, and hair. Essential for entry and showing respect.
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the beauty of the cathedral without an entry fee. Donations are welcome.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of worshippers. Ask permission before taking close-up photos of people.
🚗 Parking Available
Off-road parking is available for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders, knees, and hair. Essential for entry and showing respect.
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the beauty of the cathedral without an entry fee. Donations are welcome.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of worshippers. Ask permission before taking close-up photos of people.
🚗 Parking Available
Off-road parking is available for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Shenouda Coptic Cathedral for its astounding interior architecture, particularly the intricate stained-glass windows and vibrant religious murals. The free entry and spiritual atmosphere are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects. Some visitors note the modest dress code as a requirement for entry.
"A very beautiful Coptic showcasing traditional Coptic architecture. The church is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows.
Church services are run regularly in this church
When visiting the church, please dress modestly.
Lorsque vous visitez l'église, veuillez vous habiller modestement."
Paul A
"The Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church is located in the El Dahar area of Hurghada and belongs to the Coptic Orthodox community.
The church was built on 1500 m2.
It appears to be relatively modest from the outside.
However, inside, the architecture is intricate and simply astounding, featured primarily on the stained-glass windows and the painted ceilings and interesting religious murals and paintings above the altar.
Travellers can find a second church under the main cathedral to accommodate the overflow of worshipers attending on special holidays.
A visit to Coptic Cathedral in Hurghada is an impressive experience.
I loved the interiors, and the building is imposing from the outside: big windows, high ceilings and light colours.
The church is filled with light but also very decorative and stunning.
I loved the architecture of the building with all the details.
Visiting the Coptic Church of Hurghada is free of charge.
Women need to cover themselves (hair, knees and shoulders) before getting inside the church.
Enjoy your visit!
And now something about religion:
Most Egyptians are Muslims; about 5-20 % of Egyptians are Coptic Christians. The number of Christians in Egypt is not accurate. Some statistics say it is 5% and some 20% of the population.
The Christian community in Egypt is the largest and oldest in the Middle East and North Africa. The majority of the Christians in Egypt are members of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria (The Egyptian Orthodox Church). The church leader is the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. The church has about 20 million followers worldwide.
Religion is a significant thing for most Egyptians. People, especially Christians, bring out and emphasize their religion. Maybe because they belong to the minority in a dominant Islamic Egypt. most Coptic Christians carry a small Coptic cross tattooed on their wrist or hand between the thumb and forefinger to mark their faith.
There are usually religious pictures to mark and show their religion. Even the Coptic taxi drivers have crosses and crucifixes in the car to show their faith. Also, when you visit a shop that Coptic Christians own in Egypt, you notice it immediately."
Karin S.
"Stunning church, beautiful people, nice gift shop. Very spiritual."
mark farag
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cathedral is located in the El Dahar area of Hurghada. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to reach the church.
Yes, off-road parking is available for visitors attending the cathedral.
Depending on your accommodation's location in Hurghada, walking might be an option, but it's advisable to check distances and local conditions. Taxis are generally recommended for ease.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the St. Shenouda Coptic Cathedral is free of charge. Visitors are welcome to make donations if they wish.
While specific hours can vary, the cathedral is generally open for visitors outside of service times. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the best experience.
No, tickets are not required as entry is free. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
The primary restriction is the dress code. Visitors must dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and women should cover their hair.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Visitors are required to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Women should also cover their hair before entering the church.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and services. Avoid flash photography during services and be mindful of others.
The interior is described as intricate and astounding, featuring beautiful stained-glass windows, painted ceilings, and religious murals.
While the main sanctuary is accessible, the presence of a second church below might involve stairs. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility needs upon arrival.
The Coptic Orthodox Church is the largest and oldest Christian community in the Middle East and North Africa, with a significant presence in Egypt.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the cathedral itself. However, the surrounding El Dahar area offers various local eateries and cafes.
You can find traditional Egyptian cuisine in the local restaurants near the cathedral, offering a taste of authentic local flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The stained-glass windows and the painted ceilings offer stunning photographic opportunities. The exterior architecture is also quite imposing.
Yes, photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful of ongoing services and other visitors. Avoid using flash during services.
A camera with good low-light performance is recommended due to the ambient lighting from stained glass. A wide-angle lens can help capture the grandeur of the interior spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming younger children. The free entry makes it a budget-friendly outing. Ensure children are comfortable with the modest dress code requirements before your visit.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Meditators
The intricate architecture, the play of light through the stained glass, and the quiet reverence of the space can foster a sense of peace and contemplation. It's an opportunity to connect with a different facet of Egyptian culture and faith.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant colors of the artwork, and the architectural grandeur. Remember to be discreet with your camera, especially during services, and always be respectful of the sacred space.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Coptic Christianity
Many Coptic Christians in Egypt bear a small Coptic cross tattooed on their wrist or hand as a visible mark of their faith. This practice, along with religious symbols in cars and homes, highlights the importance of religion for many Egyptians, particularly within the Coptic community. Visiting the cathedral offers a glimpse into this vibrant spiritual heritage.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Details
Visitors often express their love for the building's architecture and the meticulous details. The church is designed to be filled with light, yet remains highly decorative and stunning. For those interested in religious art and Coptic architectural styles, the cathedral offers a deeply rewarding visual experience.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
Entry to the cathedral is free of charge, making it an accessible attraction for all travelers. While there's no fee, donations are appreciated. The church also has a gift shop where you might find religious items or souvenirs.
For those who wish to capture the beauty of the cathedral, photography is generally permitted, but always be mindful of ongoing services and other visitors. Avoid using flash during services to maintain a respectful environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit