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The monastery of Saint George (Al-Banat)
is situated in the Old Cairo and it is said that the structure's
foundation is dating from 7th century. There are no exactly
information about monastery origin. Only a small chapel allows
the public access and any person who wants to enter has to
live his or her shoes at the entrance. Stories and icons of
Saint George are all over the chapel as well as prayers for
Saint George to help the faithful people. The actual nunnery is
a home for about 40 nuns that take care of two little but
beautiful gardens with shrubberies and flowers that create a
perfect atmosphere for relaxing and meditation. An interesting
detail of the monastery is a chain that is supposed to be the
chain with which Saint George was beaten. Also, there are
stories telling that the chain can heal numerous inflictions and
diseases. In the chapel is a small veneration altar fore the
saint and his icon is the most treasured. The legend says that
this chapel was in the first place a palace built in the Mamluk
times, and it became a church in the 14th or 15th century.
Between the Saint George chapel and the church with the same
name (and which is a spacious room having an antechamber too) is
a double door that has 7 meters and is adorned with figures of
animals. Although only the chapel and the big room that has an
antechamber represent artistic and historical attractions, the
nunnery of Saint George brings numerous tourists and faithful
people. |
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