Experience Cairo (Egypt) Like a Local: 25 Hidden landmarks and archaeological sites Gems to Discover
Welcome to Cairo (Egypt) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a carefully curated list of 25 must-see landmarks and archaeological sites that will inspire your sense of adventure. If you’re looking to experience Cairo (Egypt) like a local, we’ve got you covered with 25 hidden landmarks and archaeological sites gems waiting to be discovered. And for those who crave excitement, we’ve compiled 25 thrilling landmarks and archaeological sites that will get your heart racing.
Information about Cairo (Egypt)
It is the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the largest and most important city of all. It is the largest Arab city in terms of population and area, and it occupies the second place in Africa and the seventeenth in the world in terms of population, with a population of 9.7 million people, according to 2018 statistics, representing 10.6% of the total population. Egypt. Cairo is one of the most culturally and culturally diverse cities, and it is one of the cities full of tourist attractions, as it witnessed many different historical periods throughout the ages, and there are many ancient and modern monuments in it, so it has become an open museum that includes Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic antiquities. The history of the city dates back to the establishment of the Pharaonic city of En or Heliopolis, “Ain Shams now”, which is one of the oldest cities in the ancient world. Cairo has been called – throughout the ages – many names, as it is the city of a thousand minarets, Egypt the Guard, and Cairo of the Moez.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Cairo
We’ve carefully curated a list of the top 25 landmarks and archaeological sites in Cairo (Egypt) , based on visitor ratings and reviews. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our guide will help you plan the perfect outing. Our team has scoured the city to find the best landmarks and archaeological sites, from museums to restaurants to gardens. Let us be your guide to Cairo (Egypt) ‘s landmarks and archaeological sites scene and experience the sights and flavors that make it unique. Don’t waste your time searching for the best spots – we’ve done the work for you. Trust our expertise to make the most of your time in Cairo (Egypt) .
1- The Hanging Church
The Hanging Church – The Hanging Church is the oldest standing church in Egypt. It was named by this name because it was built on two of the ancient towers of the Roman fort, which was built in the second century AD. It was renovated over the past different eras. The church consists of a main nave and two small wings, with eight columns between them on each side. Inside, there are many ancient statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, in addition to parts of Egyptian national newspapers. It was renewed several times and trials of priests, bishops and other offenders took place. It is a wonderful archaeological place with a very distinctive architectural character, and it is a must to go to when visiting Cairo with family or friends. It is also an important shrine for all Copts from all over the world.
Place address: Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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2- Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel
Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel – The Citadel of Salah al-Ayyubi is located in Egypt, specifically in the city of Cairo. It is a castle built by Izz al-Din Osama at the request of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, which dates back to the Ayyubid era. It is worth noting that this castle is one of three other castles bearing the same name, which are distributed in other Arab countries such as Syria and Jordan, and one in Egypt in the city of Sinai. This castle is considered one of the luxurious military castles that were built in the Middle Ages. It is distinguished by its majestic architecture, domes and towering towers. In addition to its many windows and ornate walls.
Place address: Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel, Khalifa, Al Abageyah, Qesm Al Khalifah، Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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3- Old Cairo
Old Cairo – Ancient Egypt is a neighborhood rich in ancient historical monuments that allow you to peek into the glorious past of Egypt, and it is definitely one of the must-visit places in Cairo, as it houses many notable archaeological sites that indicate the existence of the Greco-Roman era, and it is also the place where the city was founded. It contains the city of Babylon in approximately 525 BC, and there are many attractions that you can visit, such as the Coptic Museum, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and many other structures that will help you understand the culture of Egypt more.
Place address: Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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4- Saint Barbara Church Complex
Saint Barbara Church Complex – The ancient Orthodox Church of St. Barbara is one of the many famous Coptic Orthodox churches that can be found in the Coptic Cairo neighborhood. The building is located in the eastern part of the Babylon Citadel and is one of the oldest buildings in Cairo and dates back to the fifth or sixth century AD. The church was characterized by a distinctive architectural design with spacious inner courtyards, pointed ceilings, ornate columns, muqarnas, and a number of unique decorations and inscriptions.
Place address: 264J+CGP, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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5- Al-Azhar Mosque
Al-Azhar Mosque – Al-Azhar Mosque is considered the first mosque established in Cairo in the year 997 AD, and it is now one of the most important religious and historical monuments in Egypt. The mosque is now the main religious center in Egypt, and it is the place from which religious fatwas are issued and the seat of Al-Azhar sheikhs and scholars. Al-Azhar School has developed into a large university that attracts a large number of students from all over the world. Do not miss visiting this archaeological and religious landmark and have an unparalleled historical archaeological journey.
Place address: Al-Azhar Mosque, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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6- Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan – Although it stands in the shadow of the Citadel, Sultan Hassan’s madrasa and mosque still manage to make a strong impression. The building is a colossal example of Mamluk architecture and was constructed during the 14th century for a sultan who was famous for his extravagant spending, making the building’s sheer size an impressive sight in its day , but modern visitors are sure to be impressed by its beautiful and graceful architecture. The Sultan Hassan Mosque is one of the most valuable Islamic monuments, as it came with an Islamic architectural design that includes decorations, inscriptions, muqarnas, domes and towering minarets.
Place address: Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, El-Darb El-Ahmar, El-Khalifa, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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7- St. George’s church
St. George’s church – St. George’s Church is a Greek Orthodox church located inside the Babylon Citadel in Coptic Cairo, and it is part of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St. George of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. The church dates back to the tenth century (or earlier), and the current structure was rebuilt after a fire in 1904 AD, and was completed in 1909 AD. Today, the church is characterized by a Gothic building style that includes spacious courtyards, muqarnas, columns, and angles, in addition to a number of shrines belonging to important religious historical figures.
Place address: مار جرجس، كوم غراب، مصر القديمة، محافظة القاهرة،، Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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8- Egyptian Architecture House
Egyptian Architecture House – The House of Egyptian Architects is considered a model of the form of Egyptian popular housing patterns dating back to the Ottoman era in Egypt, so it is visited by individuals, both tourists and locals, to learn about its culture, where they can enter the house and see the unique wooden inscriptions and decorations, in addition to the old tools and furniture around, and also Go to the research library that sheds light on the country’s architecture throughout history.
Place address: 4 Darb Al Labana, El-Darb El-Ahmar, El-Khalifa, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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9- Al-Sayeda Nafeesah Mosque
Al-Sayeda Nafeesah Mosque – Al-Sayeda Nafisa Mosque is one of the most famous mosques located in the city of Cairo, in the Al-Sayeda Nafisa area in Cairo, specifically at the beginning of the road called Ahl al-Bayt Road. Al-Hassan bin Ali bin Abi Talib, where her husband initially wanted to carry her to Medina to bury her in Al-Baqi, but they refused.
Place address: Masjid Al Sayyida Nafeesah, Al Abageyah, El-Khalifa, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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10- Mosque of Amr ibn al-As
Mosque of Amr ibn al-As – The Mosque of Amr ibn al-Aas is considered the first mosque built in Egypt and in all of Africa in the year 642, and it is located specifically east of the Nile. It was built in the city of Fustat, which was founded by Muslims in Egypt after its conquest. The mosque was burned during the Crusade in Egypt in the year 564 AH, then Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi ordered the rebuilding of the mosque again in 568 AH.
Place address: Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, حسن الأنور، Ad Deyorah, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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11- Masjid Al Hakim
Masjid Al Hakim – Al-Hakim Mosque is the second largest Fatimid mosque in Egypt and was modeled after the Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque. The mosque is built mainly of bricks, except for the two unique minarets, which are constructed of imported stones. The mosque consists of an open courtyard with four halls, “arwaq”, surrounding it from the four directions, the largest and most beautiful of which is the qibla arcade, which determines the direction of Mecca, where Muslims should turn during prayer. This mosque is considered one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in the country.
Place address: 154 Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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12- Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus
Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus – The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, also known as Abu Serga, was built on the remains of an ancient Roman fort in Old Cairo. The history of the church is still being debated, and some scholars believe that it dates back to the late fourth and early fifth centuries AD. This church has acquired a special religious status among the Coptic churches because it is associated with the journey of the Holy Family through Egypt, and is named after the famous saints in the early fourth century AD, Sergius and Bacchus, both of whom were martyred in Rusafa in Syria because of their Christian beliefs. The church was distinguished by a distinctive architectural design.
Place address: Mari Gerges, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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13- Prince Mohamed Ali Palace
Prince Mohamed Ali Palace – The palace of Prince Muhammad Ali is considered one of the distinctive architectural masterpieces in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and it is open to visitors, locals and tourists, who can visit the building and tour inside it and see the architectural decorations that combine the eastern and western styles, as the palace is distinguished by the European style and Islamic inscriptions that appear in four main rooms , are the throne room, dining room, billiards and hall of names.
Place address: 1 السرايا, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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14- Aisha Fahmy Palace
Aisha Fahmy Palace – Aisha Fahmy Palace is one of the landmarks in the city of Zamalek that he does not get tired of, as the palace serves several purposes. There is a section of it in the basement that works as an art museum with paintings that date back to a hundred years from now, and while you watch these wonderful paintings in the basement you will enjoy classical music luxurious. On the other floors of the palace, you will enjoy luxurious decorations and furniture. And when your tour of the palace ends, you can enjoy the majestic views of the Nile with your friends and loved ones.
Place address: Aisha Fahmy Palace, 1 Aziz Abaza, St، Zamalek, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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15- Al-Hussain Mosque
Al-Hussain Mosque – This mosque is considered one of the most famous mosques in the city of Cairo in the historical area, and it is visited by a large number of worshipers and visitors from all over the world. Large numbers of worshipers, and some believe that the head of the grandson of the Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace, “Al-Hussein,” is buried in this mosque. Visit it and enjoy the spiritual and historical atmosphere of this place.
Place address: Al-Hussain Mosque, Al-Mashhad Al-Hussaini شارع المشهد الحسين، شارع Hasan El-Adawy, امتداد، Egypt
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16- Wekalet El Ghoury
Wekalet El Ghoury – One of the most beautiful and distinctive cultural performances that reflect the unique character of the city of Cairo is the artistic performances of Wekalat Al-Ghouri, in which the traditional dervish dance is organized, where individuals wear large colorful skirts, and they perform a circular dance to the rhythm of Sufi music, which is played live and directly in front of the seated audience. On comfortable seats.
Place address: 3 ش محمد عبده الازهر تقاطع ش الأزهر وش، Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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17- St. Simon “the tanner” Monastery
St. Simon “the tanner” Monastery – The Monastery of St. Simon Al-Kharaz or the Mokattam Hill is a distinguished archaeological landmark in the Cairo Governorate, specifically in the Mokattam region. In the inner cavity of the mountain, near the cave where St. Simon Al-Kharaz is buried, and the area is a popular destination for tourists and locals who come to pray, explore the place, and take memorial photos.
Place address: Shawqi, Al Abageyah, El-Khalifa, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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18- Baron Empain Palace
Baron Empain Palace – Baron Empain Palace is located on a slightly elevated platform in the heart of the Heliopolis district on the outskirts of Cairo, and it is a huge palace built by Baron Edward Empain (Édouard Empain); He is a Belgian businessman and architect who also built the Paris Metro. The structure of this palace and its privileged location have led to it gaining wide fame among locals and tourists. The palace was built between 1907 and 1911 and is covered in animal motifs and detailed shapes inspired by Orissa in India and Angkor Wat. In Cambodia, once distinguished for its luxurious gardens, gilded doors, and Belgian mirrors designed by Georges-Louis Claude, this long-abandoned palace is said to be connected by underground tunnels to the nearby Catholic cathedral where the baron is buried.
Place address: El-Orouba, El-Montaza, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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19- Khan el-Khalili
Khan el-Khalili – Khan El Khalili is considered one of the prominent and attractive tourist destinations in the city of Cairo. It is an old neighborhood that includes markets and bazaars that provide various types of goods at very reasonable prices. It provides shops specialized in selling antiques, gifts, and handcrafts, and shops selling food products such as sweets and spices. This is in addition to a number of restaurants that serve traditional Egyptian food, such as falafel.
Place address: Khan el-Khalili, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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20- Unknown Soldier Memorial
Unknown Soldier Memorial – The Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Nasr City is a pyramid-shaped monument located in Cairo, Egypt. The statue was designed by the Egyptian artist Sami Rafi and built at the request of the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. The goal of the monument was to commemorate the Egyptians who died in the War of Attrition and the October War. 1973. It is worth noting that the same site was chosen as the burial place for President Sadat after his assassination in October 1981.
Place address: Unknown Soldier Memorial, El-Nasr Rd, Al Estad, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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21- Tahrir Square
Tahrir Square – Tahrir Square is the largest square in the city of Cairo in Egypt, and it was called Ismailia Square after Khedive Ismail, then the name changed to “Tahrir Square”; Relative to liberation from colonialism after the 1919 revolution, then the name was officially established in the July 23 revolution in 1952. It is the square in which millions of Egyptians gathered on January 28, 2011, demanding the resignation of former President Hosni Mubarak from the presidency of the Republic, and this square symbolizes the freedom and steadfastness of peoples.
Place address: Tahrir Square, eltahrir sqair, Qasr Ad Dobarah, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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22- El Sakakini Pasha Palace
El Sakakini Pasha Palace – The Sakakini Palace is one of the oldest palaces in Egypt, which is located specifically in Sakakini Square in the center of Cairo, which was built in 1897 AD by Habib Pasha Sakakini. The palace is distinguished by its unique architectural design, where different styles from around the world overlap. Italians came specially to participate in its construction and it is considered a model of Rococo art, which is the art of the aristocracy and the middle class.
Place address: El Sakakini Pasha Palace, 6 Al Sakakini Sq., As Sakakeni, Daher, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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23- Fortress of Babylon
Fortress of Babylon – Fort Babylon, known as the Wax Palace or Babylon Castle, is an ancient fortification located in the city of Cairo in Egypt, specifically in the Old Cairo area next to the Coptic Museum. The center on which the city of Fustat was built. The fort building consists of a number of fortified outer walls, bastions, defensive towers, and yards for training soldiers. The fort still stands tall to this day.
Place address: مار جرجس، كوم غراب، مصر القديمة، محافظة القاهرة،،، Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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24- Manasterly Palace
Manasterly Palace – Koshak Al-Manasterly Palace, whose construction dates back to the year 1851 AD, and it is one of the most prominent historical and cultural monuments in the city, specifically on Al-Rawda Island, near the site of the Nilometer, and the palace is characterized by many interior architectural styles, especially in the main hall, with tiles The marble on the floor, which visitors enjoy watching.
Place address: 1 El-Malek El-Saleh, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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25- 6th October Bridge
6th October Bridge – If you are a fan of history and nature, we suggest that you visit this exceptional bridge in the city of Cairo, as the construction of this bridge was completed in 1996 AD after a 30-year construction process. This vital bridge includes many wonderful local restaurants and cafes that attract large numbers of visitors due to the delicious food it provides and the popular Egyptian atmosphere par excellence, and in the evening hours the colored lights are reflected on this bridge to appear as an exceptional architectural masterpiece.
Place address: 6th October Bridge, كوبرى 6 أكتوبر، Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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Conclusion
Exploring Cairo (Egypt) is a journey that will take you through diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating histories. Our guide has given you a taste of the must-see destinations and hidden treasures that await, but there’s always more to discover. Take the time to connect with the locals, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the traditions and customs that make Cairo (Egypt) so special. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, Cairo (Egypt) has something to offer everyone. As you journey through this remarkable region, we invite you to let go of your worries and embrace the present moment. Take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of Cairo (Egypt) . We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Until then, happy exploring!