Sightseeing in Cairo

Cairo the capital of Egypt has a rich history of Islamic, Christian Coptic and Jewish culture. This 2000 years old city is also the largest city of Middle East and Africa. The strategical location of Cairo leading to three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe provides this city its unique identity among Egypt destinations.

Located along the shores of River Nile stretching upto 40 km from north to south, Cairo is also called Al Qahirah and is one of the most ancient cities of Egypt. Sightseeing sites in Cairo mainly consist of churches and mosques.

Major Sightseeing in Cairo

Memphis and Saqqara

Memphis is the oldest capital of Egypt and is located 24 km away from Cairo. King Menes established it and contains many interesting monuments. The major attraction of this site is 13 m long massive Statue of Ramesses II that weighs 120 tones built in fine-grained limestone. The other monuments at Memphis include Temple for Embalming the Sacred Apis Bull.

Saqqara is the ancient burial ground located on a desert plateau near Cairo. Attractions of this destination of Cairo are the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, Pyramids of Unas-a 5th dynasty Pharaoh and the Serapeum-Greek philosopher Circle.

Churches in Cairo
The churches in Cairo are located in the old city of Cairo near the ruins of Babylon fortress. Major sightseeing churches are Al-Muaallaqah (Hanging) Church, Church of Abu Sergah (St Sergius), St Barbara (Sitt Barbara) Church, Church of Abu Mina (St Mena), Church of Abu Sefein (St Macarius) and many more worth mentioning.

Mosques in Cairo
The major sightseeing mosques in Cairo are the mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas (Al-Fustat), Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, Mosque of Al-Azhar, Mosque of Sultan Hassan, Mosque of Al-Refai, The Blue Mosque and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Besides these mosque site Cairo also has other Islamic sites. Among these are the Fortress of Salah-Al-Din, House of Gamal-Al-Din Al-Dhahbai and the Museum of Islamic Art (Bab Al-Khalq).