Capital of Egypt, is the most populated city in Africa. Teeming. You will quickly become attached to it. Cairo is also traveled for the wonders it possesses. For example the Egyptian Museum, the alleys of Islamic Cairo, the Old City and Christian Cairo… an induction into Egyptian culture, ancestral and modern. A trip to Egypt will be noticed by the visit to Cairo.
Cairo is a fusion of the old. Churches are built on top of Roman ruins and skyscrapers rise behind medieval monuments. The capital of Egypt is best known for preserving the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. But the city contains infinite treasures beyond the pyramids of Giza.
Discover the history of early Christianity in Coptic Cairo. Browse the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world and drink an Egyptian-style coffee in the bustling Khan El-Khalili souk. While ancient temples and intricate tombs await further south in Luxor and Aswan. Here's why you should take a break in Cairo before continuing your journey.
The must-sees in Cairo
The Egyptian pyramids are ancient pyramid-shaped structures. As of November 2008, sources cite 118 or 138 identified Egyptian pyramids. They are tombs for the country's pharaohs and their wives during the Old and Middle Kingdoms.
The oldest known Egyptian pyramids are found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis. On the other hand, the most famous Egyptian pyramids are those of Giza pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mikerinos, on the outskirts of Cairo. Several of the pyramids at Giza are among the largest structures ever built. The Pyramid of Cheops is the largest Egyptian pyramid. It is the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that still exists.
The Egyptian Museum and theTutankhamun's Treasure
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world is a must visit. Inside, the large ground floor displays a collection of objects from the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC). Including a variety of traditional coffins arranged by style. Also papyrus rolls and coins from different kingdoms and cultures. Mainly Islamic, Greek and Roman.
In fact, the first floor houses two rooms of mummies. Which are laid out with notes on the ingredients used in each body's treatment. Also the most intriguing attraction of the museum is the treasure of King Tutankhamun. Displayed next to his mask are a series of intricate gold coffins, artifacts and jewelry.
The museum's treasures will eventually be transferred to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled to open in 2021 on the Giza Plateau.
Saladin's Citadel Where Cairo Citadel, is an imposing fortress dominating Cairo and built by the Ayyubid Sultan Saladin in the twelfthe century. The silhouette of the citadel is dominated by the domes and minarets of the alabaster mosque of Mehemet Ali, Turkish style, completed in 1857.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar and Souk the largest and most dynamic tourist souk in the Cairo, Khan El-Khalili, offers a set of shops. In fact, known for semi-precious and precious jewelry. Actually originally built as a mausoleum for the Fatimid Caliphs. Then, the structure underwent many modifications over time. And finally remodeled in the 16th century by Sultan al-Ghuri. Inspired by the Ottoman style, it looks a lot like a Turkish bazaar.
Drop by Fishawi Cafe for its Egyptian-style coffee and serial vibe. It has served for local and international celebrities. Including Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz, and Will Smith. In fact, the ideal would be to order a mint tea or karkade made from hibiscus, the Egyptian national drink. Also with a shisha next door. You'll probably need the shisha after all the bargaining at the souk.
Off the beaten track
Views of the Nile start your trip to Cairo with a walk in Zamalek. the glamorous northern part of the island of Gezira on the Nile. Dotted with elegant townhouses. In fact the Zamalek is home to embassies from around the world. Far from the chaos, its tree-lined streets parade to the rhythm of a softer drum.
Visit Cairo Tower Because it's the best way to get an overview of the city. In addition, you will enjoy the refreshing breeze on its terrace and admire the view of the Nile. As well as during the afternoon is quiet and relieves the flow of tourists.
Cairo Opera House, is the most important structure of the National Cultural Center. In fact, it is a well-appointed place of representation. Plus Visitors can enjoy performances from Cairo's top bands in a 1,200-seat main auditorium. In addition, the elegant room is divided into four levels. Also custom designed for opera and ballet performances by touring international groups.
The imposing Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan built during the Mamluk period was an ambitious attempt for the 14th century. The mosque is carefully designed to include all four schools of Sunni thought. Chafi'i, Maliki, Hanafi and Hanbali- in enclaves within its 118 foot high walls. Commissioned under the patronage of Sultan an-Nasir Hasan at a high cost, this structure remains incomplete.
Mouizz Street, dubbed the "largest open-air museum of Islamic monuments". It takes on its full meaning after sunset. Located a short walk north of Khan El-Khalili. In fact this bustling promenade is flanked by some of the oldest and largest structures in Egypt.
A walk can reveal the architecture of the dynasties that ruled the city at different times. From the Fatimid dynasty in 970 to the most recent, that of the Pashas, of which the famous emperor Muhammad Ali was the most important. It is home to the Qalawun complex, as well as a spectacular mausoleum and impressive Mamluk architecture.
Al-Azhar Park finish with a stop at Al-Azhar Park, Cairo's greenest urban attraction. The fenced park originally was a landfill, and was turned into a park in 2005 at the initiative of Agha Khan IV, the 49th imam of Nizari Ismailism. Stretching in the center of the city, it is a real oasis in the middle of the urban hustle and bustle of Cairo.
The Gayer Anderson Museum, it is very often ignored by tourists or neglected by tour operators. And yet, it is worth the detour. Better: an in-depth visit. Adjoining the Ibn Touloun mosque, the Gayer-Anderson museum is a very fine example of Cairo architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, with mashrabiyas, terraces and a "sabil", a fountain generally reserved for mosques.
It has a ground floor, two floors and a superb terrace in the form of a courtyard. It is characterized by its staggered landings, a chicane corridor and a gallery overhanging the large room and the whole. Place has been made there for the traditional architecture of Ottoman Cairo, with a "salamlek", a place of reception, a men's lounge, and a "haramlek", an area of the harem, forbidden to men, from which women could watch the men by the mashrabiyas.
The museum illustrates the life of the Ottoman nobility during its heyday. In the tangle of rooms with thematic decorations, one can admire precious earthenware, wonderful woodwork inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory, a collection of textiles, tapestries, ceramics, furniture from different periods, an assembly of tombstones , Chinese and European paintings.
Palace of Prince Muhammad Ali in Al-Manial, is the true title of nobility and elegance and sophistication of palaces, it is the magic of the past mingles with the elegance of modernity.
It is one of the royal palaces of Egypt with a particular architectural character. A unique architectural masterpiece, as it includes various styles of Islamic art between Fatimid, Mamluk, Ottoman, Andalusian, Persian and Syrian.
