DO NOT MISS in Cairo

The Pyramids Area

The Pyramids and Sphynx

On the outskirts of Cairo one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the great Pyramids. Built around 4.500 years ago, the three towering Pyramids are massive in size, constructed from around 2.300.000 blocks, weighing an average of two-and-a-half tons each. In addition to deign dazzled by the external magnificence of these wonders.

Within short walking distance of the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza, Built in 2620 BC in the likeness of the King of Egypt Cephran (Khafre). The ancient monument- 187 feet long and 65 feet high – is a human-headed lion wearing a royal headdress, sitting of the Great Pyramids.

Sakkara                                                                                                                                                                                         

Sakkara is one section of the great necropolis of Memphis, capital of the Old Kingdom. Egyptian Kings of the first and second dynasties are buried in Sakkara, located 12 mails southwest of Cairo. The famous step Pyramid of King Zoser was the First Pyramid to be erected in ancient Egypt, preceding those at Giza by many centuries                                                                                                                                                       

This historic area was the capital of ancient Egypt during the first dynasty, founded in 3100 BC as the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. In its early years of existence, Memphis was the fortress from which Menes Reigned Over the land and water routes connecting Upper Egypt to the Delta.

Cairo Downtown

Old Cairo, the eldest district in the Egyptian capital, was settled as far back as the sixth century BC. In later centuries, Romans built the fortress Babylon in the area, remnants of which still exist. Later, Old Cairo become the center of Christianity in Egypt, with as many as 20 church built within an area of one square mile. Only five of these historic remain today, nestled between many other ancient monuments that decorate the quarter. Among the most notable of these are:

The Citadel ( a must-see)

The citadel, situated on a highly visible spur of the Mokattam Mills of Cairo, was the nerve center of Egypt for almost 700 years, Construction of the grand structure of the grand structure began in 1176 and was completed by Muhammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt in the late 19^th century. Mameluk Sultans and Turkish governors resided in the Citadel, which is the world's most splendid monuments of medieval warfare. Facing the Citadel is the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 and perhaps the most majestic monument of Arab architecture in Egypt.

The Ibn Tulun Mosque                

Built by Ahmed Ibn Tulun in 879 (265 Hijra), the Ibn Tulun Mosque in the Sayyedah Zeinab district is known for its atmosphere of tranquility, unparalleled by any other mosque in the city. Amr Ibn ELA'as this is the first and oldest mosque to be built in Egypt, erected in 642 AD (21AH) by Amr Ibn EL A'as, the commander of the Muslim army that conquered Egypt.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra Synagogue located in Cairo center was built by chief rabbi in Jerusalem Abraham Ben Ezra in the late 9^th century within the walls of the fortress of Babylon ( as Old Cairo was Known in ancient time ). The basilica-style temple is home to a Jewish heritage library, which includes a Torah on gazelle skin dating back to the fifth century BC and an 'Atlas of Moses' manuscript. The synagogue is known principally for its storeroom, or Geniza, which housed a rich store of political, economic and social books and manuscripts about the condition of Jews under Arab rule in Egypt in the Middle Ages.

The Old Cairo Gates rrounding what is now Old Cairo, these walls were built by Fatimid commander Badr al-Jamali between 1087 and 1092 to defend Cairo against foreign invaders. Inscribed on the walls are the names of French officers who came to Egypt with Napoleon Bonaparte's expedition. One of these walls, Bab Zuwala, has been completely renovated.

Khan EL Khalili                                                                                                                                   

Khan EL Khalili, known as Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman Period, was built in 1382 by Emir Djaharks ElKhlili, in the heart of what was then Fatimid City. Until this day, the bazaar is a center of trade and communion in the city, and offers a wide array of antiques, handcrafts of gold, silver and copper as well as numerous old coffee shop and local restaurants which attract both Egyptians & tourists alike.

Cairo Museums

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum (a must-see). The Egyptian Museum was built during the reign of Khedive Abbass Helmi II in 1897, and opened its doors on November 15, 1902. Today, the museum contains the most important collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Exhibited are over 120.000 objects from the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egyptian Kings and the treasures of King Tut Ankh Amun. A special 'Hidden Treasures' exhibit in the museum's re-designed basement features more than 150 artifacts on display for the first time.

 The Coptic Museum                                                       

The museum was founded in 1910 by Marcus Simaika Pasha, and is the most recently built of Coptic's major museum. The museum is home to one of the richest collections of Coptic Christian art in the world, featuring antiquities of the Coptic period (300-1000 AD). Around 16.000 pieces are displayed in the museum, arranged where possible in chronological order.

Islamic Museum           

The Islamic museum is a notable depository of Islamic art from Egypt, Turkey and Persia dating from the 7^th to the 19^th centuries. It was founded in the El Hakim Mosque in 1880, moving to its present location in 1903.

The Museum of Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil                                                                                

The Museum of Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil and his wife, built in 1920, was inaugurated on July 23. 1962. The museum contains one of the largest personal artifact collections in the region, including works of art and paintings of great artists who led the fine arts movement in Europe, especially France, during the latter half of the 19^th century.