Fodor's Expert Review Convent of St. George

This church's namesake holds a special place in the hearts of Copts. The remains of this Roman legionary, who was martyred in Asia, were brought to Egypt in the 12th century. Images of St. George (Mar Girgis) abound in Egyptian Christianity (he's most commonly depicted on a steed crushing a dragon beneath him), so it’s no surprise that this district has a church, a monastery, and a convent dedicated to the dragon slayer.

Medieval historians described the complex as huge, and though it's less impressive in its present-day form, it's still worth a visit. The stairway on the left of the courtyard leads down to a structure that dates from the Fatimid era. Inside is a huge reception hall with a beautiful wooden door about 23 feet (7 meters) tall. Behind the door, a shrine contains the icon of St. George and a set of chains used for the chain-wrapping ritual said to represent the sufferings of St. George at the hands of the Romans.