What do you know about Basilica of the Holy Virgin?

CAIRO – 8 February 2021: Controversy arose on social media platforms over the construction of the Heliopolis Bridge, claiming that the bridge would affect the historic Basilica of the Holy Virgin in which Baron Empain was buried in Heliopolis.

According to statements made by informed sources to the press, the Basilica of the Holy Virgin is not registered as an antiquity and its foundation stone was laid in 1911. Construction work was completed in 1913.

In 1930, Baron Empain recommended that he be buried in the church because of his love for Egypt, and after his death, his wish was granted and he was buried in the church.

The sources indicated that during the development and restoration of the Baron Palace, church lighting was also developed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in order to match the lighting of the palace at the time of its opening, but the church does not belong to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, so it is not a monument.

The Basilica of the Holy Virgin, which was built by one of the most important builders of Heliopolis, the French Alexander Marcel in 1910 at the request of Baron Empain, was built from his personal expense and apart from the Heliopolis Oasis Company at that time.

The church drawings were done in the Byzantine style; it is a miniature image of the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul. It is located at the beginning of Al-Ahram Street.

Baron Empain called it the Belgian "Notre Dame de Dhongre", and was buried there on February 17, 1930, according to his will. After Baron Empain’s demise, the church became part of the inheritance of his second son, Louis, and Louis’ family then donated it to the Catholic Church in Egypt.