The capital of Egypt, and the biggest city in Africa, It’s a mix where you can find antiquities of pharaonic dynasties , Greaco-Roman civilization, Christian and Islamic landmarks co exist. A city with worm and friendly people and in Cairo the most you will fell is hospitality.
On the Mukatam hills extending on the east bank of the Nile you find Salah El Din Citadel and on its base extend hundreds of mosques and Islamic monuments. On the western bank of the Nile and on the top of Giza plateau you find the great Pyramids and the sphinx, two of the most glorious contributions of pharaonic heritage .
In modern Cairo with its network of roads, squares, gardens, clubs, parks and hotels, you will also notice the Cairo tower which rising 187 meters high and it the center of Cairo the Nile river flows from south to north,,
And you as a Cairo visitor please don’t miss to watch the sun rise while you are in a feluka on the Nile

Cairo map

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We can divide Cairo interests and landmarks to:

A- The Pharaonic Monuments

Giza Pyramids : On the west bank of the Nile on top of Giza plateau rise the tree pyramids, Cheops, Chepren and Mycernius, and guarded but the great Sphinx which is a mythical statue with the body of a lion and a human head. The three pyramids and the Sphinx are considered one of the seven wonders of the world and the most famous tourist site in Egypt

Solar Boats of Cheops : They are made of cedar wood to be at the king disposal on his last journey to the sun god `Ra` in the other world. A solar boat has lately been discovered and assembled, it is exhibited in a special museum south of the great pyramid of Cheops

Memphis and Sakkara Area
Memphis : considered the most ancient capital of Egypt established by king Mina, and you can see there:
- The colossal statue of Ramses II exhibited n the museum.
- The alabaster statue of the Sphinx for king thusmosis.
- The Serapeum : Temple of mummification Apis, the sacred bill.

Sakkara : is the ancient site of Memphis city where you can find antiques and tombs , it is the moist ancient burial ground in the ancient Egypt. Situated in the desert plateau, where is Zoser step pyramid and its funerary complex including temples and tombs distinguished by glamorous wall engraving established by the ancient Imhotep for king Zoser ( III dynasty). It is the most ancient stone building in the world. The most important place to visit in Sakkara is the pyramid of Unas, the Serapeum and mastabas whish are known as the tombs of nobles, the most famous ofall is the tomb of Ptah Hotep, the tomb of kagemni and the tomb of Meriruka.

Al Mataria Obelisk : the area is the ancient site witch was built the Pharaonic city of Oun which the Greeks called Heliopolies . The only left monument of the antiquities of that city is the famous Obelisk known as El Mataria Obelisk.

B- Christian Monuments

Christian monuments in Egypt are the religious and historical significance . they are regarded as transitional period between pharaonic and Islamic art , the Coptic museum housed a rare collection of antiquities . Old Cairo is renowned for its antiques churches .

Old Cairo

Al Mualaka ( The suspended Chrch) : Built on the remain of Roman fortress of babylon . It was built at the fourth century . A wood carving representing Jesus Christ enter Jerusalem. It houses abut 90 rare icons of basilican style

Abu Serg Church : It lies near the Coptic Museum and dates from the fourth century A.D. was built on the basilican style on top of the cave that holy family use as a shelter on their flight to Egypt escaping from king Herod. It is considered one of the destinations of the visitors who seeks blessings.

The Church of The Virgin : It is dates of the 8th century and contains precious icons and has three altras.

Saint Barbara Church : It is next to Abu Serg Church and carried the name of the lady who was killed by her heathen father when she embraced Christianity. It is one of the most beautiful Coptic churches which date from the early 5th century A.D. and still retains by wooden door.

The Great Orthodox Church ( Mari Guirgis) : It is built on one of the towers of Babylon Fortress adopting a basiiican style with a round dome.

The Curch of Abu Sefein Monastery : Located in Amr mosque Street, near the subway metro station ( Mari Guirgis ) an its comprises three churches :
1 Abu Shenoda Chuch-
- Abu Sefein Church ( saint Marcurius), in which is the cave of Saint Barsoum elk Erian
- The Church of the virgin of el Damshir

Mari Mina Church : In the area of Fum El-Khalig. It is dates to the 5th and early 6th century. T is related to Saint mina who is considered one of the famous saints of the Coptic church who was martyred during the persecution the Christian suffered at the hand of Roman Emperor Diocletian . One of the monumental churches of Cairo is the Virgin`s church in Zuweila Alley.
Of the modern churches is the Virgin`s in Zeytoun to which thousand of flock to be blessed after news spread of the appearance of the virgin Mary on one of the domes.

Saint Mark Cathedral : The largest cathedral in Africa recently, built in Abbasia Region, the relics of Saint Mark, the Evangelist who first preached Christianity in Egypt, are kept in this cathedral.

The Virgin's Tree In Matarea : When the Holy Family fled Palestine to escape the tyranny of Herod, they headed to Egypt, they began their journey from Rafah in Sinai to Materia and settled their for a while, where they rested nest to the blessed tree. The tree is two thousand years old, evergreen and one of the most popular sites that thousands of believers visit seeking blessings.


C- The Islamic Monuments

The artistic beauty of Isdlamic monuments is not limited to mosques only, it also includes house, palaces, fortresses and architectural constructions

Mosques:

Amr Ibn El As : The first mosque built in Egypt and the forth in the all world ( 21 H. – 642 A.D. ) by Amr Ibn El As north of Babylon Fortress It has basic design, its pillars were taken from palm tree trunks and covered with dry with dry fronds. Renovations and extensions followed in the course of time, its present planning consists of a central open space surrounded by four roofed side wings the biggest which is the Qebla with is marble pillars of deferent styles.

Ahmed Ibn Tulun : The Third mosque built in Islamic Egypt, it was completed in 265 H. 878 A.D. by prince Ahmed Ibn Tulun, founder of the Tuluni dynasty, it is one of the largest mosques as its area amounts to 162 x 162 meters and the dimensions of its open central space ( Al Sahn ) is 92 x 91 meters surrounded by open corridors. The mosque is known for its varied gypsum ornamentations and engravings. Its minaret is unique in that it has an outside staircase.

Al Azhar Mosque : The first mosque of Fatmid Cairo, built by Gawhar El Sekelli, commander of the aries of El- Moez le-din Allah, in the year 361 H. 972 A.D. , Al Azhar is one of the earliest Islamic universities and regarded as seat for learning students from the Islamic countries of the world. Al Azhar has witnessed renovations and improvement throughout the ages. It is consists of an extensive central open space ( sahn ) surrounded by wings. The mosque has three minarets, one of which is a twin minaret from the age of Sultan El-Ghouri. Al Azhar Library contains more than 60 000 volumes, of which 15 000 are manuscripts.

Sultan Hassan School and Mosque : It was built by Sultan Hassan Ibn Mohamed Ibn Qalawoon in 757 H. 1356 A.D. to be a mosque and a school for the Islamic doctrines. Annexed to it is the student residence for which doctors and teachers were appointed , it is area of 7906 meters2 and the height of its entrance is 38 meters, the most splendid entrance of Islamic monuments in Egypt.

Al Refa-ee Mosque : Established 1329 H. 1365 A.D. It is located in Salah el Din square at the Citadel and north of Sultan Hassam mosque.

Al Hakem Mosque : Established 403 H. , it is located at the end of El Moez le-din Allah street, the mosque was built out the gates of Cairo in front of Bab El- Fotuh.

Al Akmar Mosque : Established 519 H., it is located El Moez le-din Allah street, and its goes back to El Fatimid period . Its façade is decoration with Kufi inscriptions.

Al Saleh Talae`s Mosque : Located near Zeweila gate and goes back to the Fatimid era. It was renovated by the prince Mamluk Baqtomor who added a rare wooden pulpit to the mosque.

Al Nasser Mohamed Ibn Qalawoon School ( Madrassa) : Established in 703 H. nst to Al- Mansour Qalawoon dome, its decorations in gypsum are extremelybeautiful.

Barqouq Mosque and School : located in El Nahaseen, in El Moez-Le-Din Allah Street , built by Sultan Barqouq, and as established at school for teaching the principles of Islamic theology. Characterized by a rarefy graceful minaret because o the minute marble engravings that cover it.

Dome. Hospital and school of Qalawoon : Located in El Moez-Le-Din Allah Street, The complex is a model of exquisite Islamic architecture especially the dome whose walls are coated with marble filled with mother-of pearl gilded and ha engraved ceilings. The marble Mihrab is unparalleled in height and its minute craftsmanship. The dome has a unique and exceptional design, it is the only one of its kind in Egypt.

The Blue Mosque : Located in Tibbanah Street, it was founded by prince Abusunqur Al Nassei at 1347 A.D. its name come because its have splendid blue mosaic on its walls.

Qaitbey Mosque : Located in between Al Abbasiah and the Citadel. It was built bys ultan Qaitbey in 1474 A.D. , it is a jewel of Islamic art and architecture. Distinguished by its graceful minaret, the engravings of its dome and symmetrical parts .

Al Sultan Al Zaher Bibars El Bandeqdari Mosque : Built in 665 H. 1366 A.D. by Sulktan Bebars, it is a model of Islamic complex mosque, renovated and restored in 928 H.

The Leading Imam o Islam Mosque : It is the most famous mosque that contain the shrines of the leading imams of Islam, the righteous men of God and the household of Profit Mohamed .

Al Hussien Mosque : Named on the name of the grandson of Profit Mohamed, El Hussein Ibn Ali, it is distinguished by the shrine made of pure silver, ornamented with engraving and writing in gold. The mosque contains a rare collection of belongings of the Profit Mohamed.

Al Sayeda Zeinab Mosque : Named on the name of the grand daughter of profit Mohamed. Daughter of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taleb, its contains her shrines.

Al Imam El Shafe-e Mosque and Shrine : Named on the name of Abi Abd-Allah ibn Idris El-Shafe-e , one o the leading theologizesof the 4 religious doctrines . His shrine of one of the oldest monuments of the Ayubi Period , it is famous for its huge dome made of wood and coated with boards of leads.

Al Sayeda Nafisa Mosque and Shrine : Named on the name of Al sayeda Nafisa the grand daughter of El Imam Aliu Ibn Abi Taleb . It containd its shrine.


The Above mentioned Mosques are not all the Mosques at Cairo, The city of minarets abounds in many splendid mosques, where buildings, domes and minarets spell out the splendor of Islamic architecture.


Islamic Edifices:

Salah El Din Citadel :which overlooks Cairo, one of towering tops of El Mukattam , it was built in 1183 A.D. on the medieval castles founder, in the citadel there are also El Jawhara palace and the Military museum.

The Citadel – Mohamed Ali Mosque – : The alabaster mosque, a splendid towering mosque on the north summit of the citadel. The name Alabaster Mosque back to the use of alabaster for coating its interior and exterior walls , its establishment at began of 1830 A.D. after The Othman Style and divided into 2 sections :
The East section contains prayers courts, it is square in shape with a high dome ( 21 meters in diameter and 52 meters high) . Its wall are coated with alabaster and it has gild- decorated crowns.
He west section has a central court ( El-Sahn),
On the east side of the mosque rise 2 minarets, each is 84 meters high.

The Citadel outdoor Theater : Audiences may enjoy performances of folklore dances, music, dramatic plays or festivals that held out doors in gorgeous surroundings. It is an open air museum for Islamic antiques throughout ages, Islamic history from Ayoubi period till present.

Gamal El-Din El-Zahabi House : Located in Haret Hish Adem in El Ghoreya District, it is typical of Arabic house in early 17th century A.D.
The house still retains its details and feathers, the most outstanding of which is the marble fountains in its courtyard, the mashrabeya and halls ornamented with glass.

Al Sehimi House : Located in Darb El Asfar, it is another model of Islamic architecture, its retains all details, the upper hall of its north section is distinguished but ceramic walls.

Al Harrawi House – Zeinab Khatoun House

Beil El- Kreitlya ( Gayer Anderson House ) : Buit in 1041 H. – 1631 A.D. it is located near ibn Tulun Mosque and named after a lady from Crete .

Wekalet El Ghouri : Located in El-Ghoureya District, an example of old caravan serays, it is transformed into culture center where artist occupy many of its rooms, it is also comprise a school of handicrafts.


The Wall Of Cairo : They are part of the fortification of the city, Commander Gawhar El-Sekelli start building them in 968 A.D., then they were renovated and extended in the reign of Badr Al-Din El-Gammali ( 1078)
Of the remaining gates, only those of Bab El-Futuh, Bab El-Nasr and Bab Zeweila which is topped by the two minarets of El Mo-eyed Mosque.

Khan El Khalili Bazar And El Sagha ( Jewelry Shops ) :

One of the earliest and greatest markets in the middle east, buit at the 14th century A.D. and contains so many stores that exhibit wonderful collection of jewelry, wooden products engrafted with mother of pearls. Leather wears, embroidered and attractive hand-made products that make a great coletin of souvenirs.
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Museums at Cairo & El Giza

Here under some of Cairo and Giza museums ( Not All )

The Egyptian Museum :

Located in Al Tahrir square in central of Cairo city, the largest of Egyptian antiques museum all over the world, it is houses about 250 000 antique pieces covering the whole ancient history of Egypt. Which extends over the past 5000 years, the exhibit of this museum are famous for its historical and artistic value, the most splendid is the collection of Tut-Ankh-Amon .

Visiting Hours : daily from 9 a. m. till 4 p. m.
Except on Friday
From 9 a.m. till 11 a. m. and from 1,30 p. m. till 4 p. m.
.

The Coptic Museum : located in old Cairo, it is houses a rare collection of the first Christian relics, architecture remains, textiles, icons, old manuscripts. Its exhibit the reveal splendor of old Coptic art with its colors and ornamentations which are considered transitory style between Pharoanic and Islamic arts.
Visiting Hours: From 9 a.m. till 4p. m.


The Islamic Art Museum : Located in Bab El-Qhalk square. It houses 102 000 pieces of ancient Islamic artifacts representing the different eras, and showing the variety of Persian, Mamluk and Turkish art styles which give a clear idea about the development of the Islamic art.
Visiting Hours : daily from 9 a. m. till 4 p. m.
Except on Friday
From 9 a.m. till 11 a. m. and from 1,30 p. m. till 4 p. m.


Al Jawhara Museun – The Citadel- : Established by Mohamed Ali in 1814 A.D. , its wall are ornamented with Ottoman engravings. It contains many halls but the most beautiful hall is the clock hall.


The Military Museum - The Citadel- : Near al jawhara Palace, it houses a splendid collection of monuments, arms statues, old military uniforms and three dimensioned models which exhibit Egypt`s military glories throughout ages.


Al Manial Museun : Established in 1898 A.D., located in El-Manial area overlooking the Nile. It was the private residence of prince Mohamed Al Tawfik, a blend of Persian, Moroccan and Turkish architectural styles, it housed rare collections of jewelry precious ornaments, splendid carpets, manuscripts and ceramics. It is also contain the sun hall wich is an architectural masterpiece.


The Egyptian Civilization Museum : Located in Gezirah exhibition are, it is show the development of the Egyptian life and civilization through centuries.


The Agriculture Museum : Located in Dokki, in El batal Ahmed Abd El Aziz street, its show aspects of life in Egyptian country side and contains models showing the development of agriculture methods from the primitive shadoul till the modern projects which accompanied the high dam.
Visiting Hours : daily from 9 a. m. till 4 p. m.


Mustafa kamel Museum : Located in the Citadel square, it exhibited the relics of the young Egyptian leader Mustafa kamel and highlight the role of the great Egyptian leader in the Egyptian movement.
Visiting Hours : daily from 9 a. m. till 3 p. m.


Beit El Omma Musuem – House of Nation - : Located in Saad Zaghloul Street off El Kasr El-Eini street near Tahrir square, and contain the relics of the great leader Saad Zaghloul , the hero or the 1919 revolution.
Visiting Hours : daily from 9 a. m. till 3 p. m.


Mukhtar Museum : Located in El Gezirah near Tahrir square , The museum contains a wide collection of the wonderful works of Mahmoud Mukhtar, Egypt's Great Scuplor.Visitors can recognize through the exhibits of the museum feathers of the contemporary Egyptian sculpture.
Visiting Hours : daily from 9 a. m. till 3 p. m.


Abdeen Palace Museum : One of the most famous palaces that built in the reign of Mohamed Ali dynasty by the order of Khedive Ismail in 1863 A.D. and assigned as government residence from 1872 until 1952, it has many entrances, king Fouad has added to it a museum for the monarchal belongings especially the arms and swords which was given to him . In 1936 King Farouk ordered another special hall to be set up or his personal belongings, a library and a swimming pool, in 1998 another hall wasd added for the presents offered to president Mubarak, the museum combines several halls containing arms with diamonds, and made of gold, jewelry, crystal and precious things. On the middle of its halls there is a fountain surrounded with antique guns.

Wax Museum : Located in Helwan neat the mineral springs of Helwan and combines a collection of splendid statues of wax representing many historical events.


The Nilometer at El Roda : Located in the south road of El-Roda in Manial island, was build by engineer Mohamed ibn Kathir El-Fergani in the reign og El Khalif Al Abbas El Mutawakel 247 H. – 861 A.D. ) to measure the level of the Nile flood.


Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum : In !962 , it is located in Kafur street off El Giza road, it exhibits paintings of famous artists including, Van Gogh, Gaugin, Rubens, Monticell, and others. It also combines another collection of paintings by Major Egyptian artists like Mohamed Nagui, Mahmoud Said in addition to a collection of ceramics for which the museum is famous


Nagui Museum : it is combine the most important works of Nagui`s oil, water color and pastel paintings, the museum boasts 552 paintings.


The post Museum : Located in El-Attaba square.

The Railway Museum : Located in Ramisis Sqyare.



Modern Cairo – Landmarks –


Cairo Tower : Located in the center of Gezirah, it is 187 meters high and two storeys top it . The first level has a revolving restaurant and cafeteria, the roof top floor provides a panoramic view for Cairo and its suburbs through telescopes.

The Zoo : Established in 1890, located in Gizah, it contains a large species of animals, birds. In addition to exotic plants and trees.


The Pharaonic Village : Located in El-Bahr El-Azam street in El Gizah and present daily show from 9 am. Till 5 pm. It is panorama reflecting aspects of ancient Egyptians life. The visitors can take a Nile cruise amid trees, birds and also practice fishing.
Recently was open
The Museum of Mohamed Nagib ( Egypt first president after 1952 revolution) .

The Opera House : Located at Gezirah exhibition center, It was inaugurated at 1988 . Am artistic architectural masterpiece of Islamic style, equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities, it is consists of three theatres.


October War panorama : Located at Salah Salem Street, near exhibition Center, It has interesting display with moving sound effects, it is exhibits an I-Max theater in the background and reenactment of actual battles scenes, the panorama is developed to commemorate the victories of October War 1973,


Sounds and light shows at the pyramids : One of the most atrctive events in El-Giza. It is a show combining the lights projects on the three pyramids and the Sphinx, and the sounds effects suggestive of the ancient Pharonic atmosphere together with the narration of the history of the pyramids and the Sphinx, the sounds and lights show is narrated in many languages daily at sunset.
 

The Baron's palace :  The Palace’s builder was the Belgian-born industrialist, Baron-General Edouard Louis Joseph Empain (1852-1929) the prodigal son of a village school teacher who became one of Europe's greatest colonialist entrepreneurs of the 20th century. Empain had extensive business interests in Indonesia and in time became a well known amateur Egyptologist. He arrived in Egypt during January, 1904,

The Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center :  located at Harrania, Saqqara road . If you are travelling to Egypt a visit to the school can be arranged to fit in with excursions to the nearby pyramid sites of Giza and Saqqara. ,The Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Centre is near the village of Harrania on the Sakkara road between Giza and Sakkara. From Cairo take the main road to Giza, turning off onto the Sakkara road shortly before reaching Giza. Four kilometers down the Sakkara road you will see the Harrania village sign and then a sign for the Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Centre. Turn right, cross the canal and turn right again. Go to the second gate in the mud wall, on which you will see another Wissa Wassef School sign. Press bell for entry.