We always look up at the ceilings of places that we visit, especially if the building has a dome. Many of them are in cathedral, but not all of them. Throughout our history, people have been fascinated with the sky and the stars and often imagined what might exist up there. In many cases they use the ceilings to paint what they imagine might be beyond the clouds that hovered over their heads.
So Many Murals Inside of a DomeWindows Inside of a DomeThe Cathedral of Granada – Cathedral of the IncarnationOne of the Domes Inside of a Mosque in CairoBeautiful Artwork in the Dome in LuccaCeiling of the Dome in a Church in Cairo
In other cases, artists just used the dome ceilings to create works of art that tell a story that changes with the direction you face as you look up at it. Sometimes the artist will just use the geometrical shape to create a unique look inside of the dome. Regardless of the style of artwork, looking up at interior of domes is something that is worth taking the time to pause and enjoy.
Looking Up at the DomeMonastery Dome in RomaniaSimplicity of a Dome in RomeDome Inside of Another DomeDifferent Angle of the Dome of the Church in CairoColorful Domed Ceiling Above an Altar in France
During our trip to Cairo, we took a day to visit Coptic Cairo, which is a section of Old Cairo with the Babylon Fortress, Abu Serga (Cave Church), and the Church of St. George. The Church of St. George is a Greek Orthodox church that dates back to the 10th century, although the current church buildings were built in 1909 after being destroyed in a fire in 1904. Sitting on top of a hill with a steep set of stairs, the architecture of the church is definitely interesting and impressive.
St. George on the Front of the Church
Chandeliers in the Church
Trees Along the Walls of the Cemetery
Stairs Leading to the Church
Golden Eye
Silver Cross and Candlesticks
As you approach the church, there is no doubt as to who it is dedicated as there are several murals with images of St. George defeating the dragon, including the large relief on the front of the church itself. The church tower also has a wind-vane that features a dragon that hovers over the church. The church itself is a round building with a large dome over the center, which is quite stunning and dramatic.
Wind-Vane on Top of the Tower
Ornate Altar
Ceiling of the Dome
Tomb with a Statue
Cemetery Grounds
St. George Slaying the Dragon Mosaic
Next to the church is a cemetery with beautiful grounds and a variety of crypts and tombs. Seeing a Christian cemetery in the heart of Cairo was certainly unique and it was quiet and peaceful in the otherwise hectic city. One of the most interesting features in the cemetery was a mud and stone crypt that resembled a cave. There wasn’t any signage or information that indicated its history or purpose within the cemetery.
Tombs and Crypts
Church Garden
Cave in the Cemetery
Another St. George Image
Walking Through the Church
Cemetery
The interior of the Church of St. George was beautiful, especially with its colorful dome ceiling. Inside of the church, there was also a gold image of St. George slaying the dragon. There is certainly plenty to see in Old Cairo as well as in Coptic Cairo and we spent a couple of hours visiting the various sites.
