|
Cairo
 INTRODUCTION 
To its 22 million inhabitants, Cairo is and always has been Umm al-Dunya, the mother of the world.
  
Travelers to this metropolis will find it an often bewildering mixture of old and new: Donkey carts share the streets with tour buses (and Mercedes), businessmen in suits share sidewalk coffee shops with country people in traditional galabiya (robes), ancient bazaars and monuments share space with modern office towers and McDonald's restaurants.
Sightseeing Cairo's most popular tourist sights are the monuments and relics of Egypt's pharaonic past. The prime attraction in the city itself is the Egyptian Antiquities Museum-it's so full of ancient artifacts that it's almost bursting at the seams. The big draws of the collection are the contents of Tutankhamen's (King Tut's) tomb and a dozen royal mummies displayed in oxygen-free cases. The museum has too much for you to absorb in one visit-we recommend you spend two half days there.
Dr. Ragab's Pharaonic Village-This is a great place for the family. Kids are both educated and entertained as they sail down human-made canals and watch actors on the shore re-create ancient Egyptian life. Pharaonic costumes are available for both adults and kids for photo sessions. Open daily in summer 9 am-9 pm, in winter 9 am-5 pm. £E 50 for non-Egyptians, £E 35 for non-Egyptian students. Jacob's Island, Sakiet Miky, Giza (about 10 minutes from downtown). Phone 571-8675.
Pharaonic Village
  
The most famous ancient Egyptian monuments-the pyramids and the Sphinx-are not in Cairo proper, but in the suburb of Giza (though most photos make it appear that the structures are out in the desert, they're at the edge of town). Plan at least half a day at the site, and be sure to go inside the 5,000-year-old Great (Cheops) Pyramid. You can see other pyramids on a day trip to Saqqara or Dahshur, which are south of Giza. The pyramids and tombs there are less frequented by tourist groups and vendors, so you can have a more peaceful visit.
Cairo also has an incomparable collection of Muslim monuments, spanning several periods and architectural styles. Take time to visit a couple of mosques-the city has dozens of them, but the most interesting ones are the Ibn Tulun, Al-Azhar, Sultan Hasan and Muhammad Ali Mosques. They're wonderful examples of Islamic art and architecture, and they help to illustrate the development of the city and the importance of Islam in modern-day Egypt.
You should also visit the Citadel. Perched on a hill, it has several museums and monuments, as well as a wonderful view of the city.
The Coptic Quarter in Old Cairo has a very different feel from the rest of the city. Some of Cairo's oldest structures are found there, including a number of elaborate churches-Al-Muallaqa (the Hanging Church) and St. George's are our favorites. The Coptic Museum is also worth a visit.
For a look at decorative arts, visit the Museum of Islamic Art, the Gayer-Anderson House and the Mohammed Mahmoud Khalil Museum.
For a look at Egypt's royal legacy, visit the Manial Palace Museum or the Abdin Palace Museums.
The Cario zoo in Giza Egypt has many African and other types of animals it cost 25 piasters to get in thats one quarter of a pound,below are pictures of the zoo .
GIZA ZOO
  
CASINOS
Many hotels have casinos with roulette, blackjack and slot machines. All bets must be placed in U.S. dollars (or other convertible currencies). A non-Egyptian passport is required for entrance. Good-looking casual dress is acceptable. Casino Semiramis-Daily, 24 hours. Inter-Continental Hotel Semiramis, Corniche el-Nil (Garden City). Phone 795-7171.
Conrad Casino-Daily, 24 hours. Conrad International Cairo, 1191 Corniche el-Nil. Phone 583-8325 or 580-8366.
Ladbroke's-Daily, 24 hours. In the Four Seasons Hotel, 35 Giza St. (Dokki). Phone 571-7806.
LANDMARKS AND HISTORIC SITES
Al-Azhar Mosque and University-Dating to AD 970, this mosque was built by the Fatimids, the founders of Cairo. The architecture is a mix of styles, reflecting different periods in which the mosque was renovated. The university is the oldest continuously operating university in the world. It's also one of the most prestigious theology schools in the Islamic world. El-Hussein Square (Islamic Cairo).
Al-Muallaqa-The Hanging Church gets its name from the fact that its floor was originally built across the gate of an ancient Roman fortress. The church contains a 10th-century icon of the Virgin and Child and an 11th-century pulpit constructed of 13 slender pillars, representing Christ and his disciples. UNESCO donated £E 50 million for renovation of the church, which was on the verge of collapse because of rising groundwater.
Many of the church's icons and religious artifacts are displayed in the nearby Coptic Museum. The church is near the Mari Girgis Metro station (Coptic Quarter).
Aqsunqur Mosque-Called the Blue Mosque, its interior is decorated with flowers and other plant designs in blue and turquoise Isnik-style tiles. The minbar (pulpit) is especially beautiful: It's the oldest one in Cairo built of marble, and it's inlaid with precious stones.
Tibbanah Street (Islamic Cairo, north of the Citadel). Ben Ezra Synagogue-This is Egypt's oldest remaining synagogue. It was built on the ruins of another, older synagogue thought to have been founded in the 5th century BC. It was later converted into a Coptic church, but in 1115, the Rabbi Abraham ben Ezra, with the consent of the Coptic patriarchy, restored the land and rebuilt the synagogue. In the Coptic Quarter, behind the Coptic Museum.
Church of Abu Serga-This church dedicated to St. Sergius was founded at the end of the 4th century AD and rebuilt at the beginning of the 11th century. It stands over a crypt, which is said to have sheltered the Holy Family during its flight from King Herod. The church is a short walk from the Mari Girgis Metro station (Coptic Quarter).
Citadel-Looming majestically above Cairo is the Citadel, a medieval fortress with a complex of mosques, tombs and museums. Salah al-Din (also known as Saladin) fortified the entire area around 1176 as a defense against the Crusaders. During the Ottoman period, the Citadel became a city in itself and served as the seat of government for approximately 700 years. The southern enclosure houses the Muhammad Ali Mosque. Also in the complex are the Jewel Museum, the Cairo Carriage Museum (displaying royal carriages) and an impressive military museum. The entire Citadel compound can be seen daily 9 am-4 pm. Entrance £E 20.
In the southern part of Islamic Cairo. Ibn Tulun Mosque-Built between AD 876 and 879, this is the oldest surviving mosque in Cairo. It has many Mesopotamian features because it was constructed during the Abbasid dynasty, which was centered in Baghdad. The minaret, with its spiral exterior staircase, is the only one of its kind in Egypt. The mosque is currently undergoing renovation. £E 6. El-Sabilah Street at Ahmed Ibn Tulun Square (Saiyida Zeinab, west of the Citadel).
Mosque of Sultan Hasan-This mosque and madrasa (Muslim seminary) is a Mameluke monument, built in the mid 1300s. It's considered one of the most stylistic Islamic buildings in Cairo. Its entrance and staircase are especially noteworthy. Entrance fee is £E 12. For £E 5 baksheesh (tip) to the caretaker, the truly adventurous can climb the minaret. It's a long, dark climb, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. Be sure to bring a flashlight. El-Qalaa Street (Islamic Cairo, near the Citadel).
Muhammad Ali Mosque-Also known as the Alabaster Mosque, it's an outstanding example of 19th-century Islamic architecture with its huge Ottoman-style dome and two slender minarets. It also contains the gilt tomb of Pasha Muhammad Ali. The mosque affords you good views of the city, and sometimes even the pyramids in Giza. Admission is included in the £E 20 fee for the entire Citadel complex. On the Citadel's southern side (Islamic Cairo).
Museum of the Solar Barque-The 140-ft/43-m cedar barque, or boat, was discovered in 1954. Ancient Egyptians believed it carried the deceased pharaoh as he accompanied the sun on its daily journey through the sky. The boat was subsequently restored and left intact in its chamber; the museum was built around the rectangular pit. Daily 9 am-4 pm. £E 20. South of the Great Pyramid, Giza. Phone 385-7928.
Pyramids of Giza-Southwest of Cairo, on the desert plateau of Giza, are the pyramids, tombs of three 4th-dynasty pharaohs: Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus). The Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built over the course of 20 years by 100,000 slaves. More than 2 million blocks of stone were used in the construction of the structure, and the precision and ability of the builders continues to amaze engineers. The second pyramid has two entrances on the northern side and seems almost as large as the Great Pyramid, mainly because it's on slightly higher ground. Its interior is less interesting than the larger pyramid's interior. The third pyramid is the smallest but is distinguished by its red granite lower courses and its well-preserved chambers.
Several underground tombs (that once contained lesser nobles) have been opened on the site as well. The entrance fee for the entire pyramids complex is £E 20, which allows you unlimited exterior viewing. If you want to visit any of the interiors, you'll have to pay an additional fee (about £E 10-£E 20). The climb inside is very tiring, so most visitors opt to enter only one pyramid-not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia. Be aware that hordes of vendors will attempt to sell you everything from fake papyrus to fake alabaster, overpriced stone scarabs and camel rides. Some tourists find it helpful to engage a guide or rent transportation (such as a camel), solely to end the persistent requests from vendors. If you decide to rent a camel and driver to tour the area, be sure to agree on a price first (bargain until the price is about £E 15-£E 20 per hour).
Sphinx-A short distance from the Great Pyramid is the Sphinx, originally called Horem Akhet, or "Horus, Who Is at the Horizon." This colossal figure of a human-headed lion (carved from one tremendous piece of limestone) guards the tomb of Khafre-in fact, the Sphinx's facial features are thought to be those of the pharaoh. Three sound-and-light performances are held nightly at the foot of the Sphinx, in full view of the pyramids. The show, "narrated" by the Sphinx himself, details the history of the pyramids and features colorful illuminations. The shows are offered in Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian and Japanese on different nights. The first show (generally 8:30 pm in summer, 6:30 pm in winter, different times during Ramadan) is generally in English, but reconfirm this before heading out there. Arrive early to get a good seat. The cost for non-Egyptians is £E 33. Phone 386-3469 or 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.
St. George's Church and Monastery-This Greek Orthodox church is built on top of a tower that was part of the Roman fortress, which explains the church's round shape. It was built in 1909 on the foundations of a 10th-century church. The church is open to the public but the monastery isn't. Mari Girgis Street (Coptic Quarter).
MUSEUMS
Abdin Palace Museums-The former seat of government is now used to display diplomatic gifts, military equipment and royal finery. Daily (except Friday) 9 am-3 pm. £E 10. Kasr Abdin Square (between downtown and Islamic Cairo). Phone 391-0042.
Agricultural and Cotton Museum-The oldest agricultural museum in the world, with a fascinating (albeit somewhat dusty) variety of stuffed animals, animal mummies and dioramas of Egyptian agricultural life. Tuesday-Sunday 9 am-1:30 pm. The three huge buildings are adjacent to the Ministry of Agriculture in Dokki, next to the 6th of October Bridge (about 10 minutes from downtown). Phone 360-8682.
Coptic Museum-A large collection of Christian objects, including a fine collection of icons and textiles dating as far back as AD 300. There's also a library with 7,000 books and manuscripts. Lush gardens surround the building, which is decorated with many mosaics. Daily 9 am-4 pm. £E 16.
In Old Cairo, just north of the Hanging Church. Mari Girgis Street (Coptic Quarter). Phone 362-8766. Egyptian Antiquities Museum-This is truly one of the most important museums in the world. It has the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts anywhere-more than 100,000 relics and antiquities, arranged chronologically from Old Kingdom to Roman Empire.
But the showpieces are treasures from Tutankhamen's Tomb-they have their own room and guards on the second floor. On display are the famous burial mask and the young king's jewels, thrones and statues. You have to pay a little extra to see the Royal Mummy Room, where a dozen mummies are displayed in oxygen-free cases-we think the experience is worth it. The excellent collection of Greek and Roman artifacts is also worth seeing. But even though the collection is world-class, don't expect a slick museum with amazing lighting and careful labeling. This place is pretty dusty, and it has so much stuff in it that you can end up overwhelmed. We recommend two half days at the museum; serious Egyptologists will want to spend several days.
And to get the most out of your visit, pick up one of several guidebooks available at the gift shop near the entrance or join a tour led by an Egyptologist who can put the dizzying array of important finds in context with Egypt's long history. The museum is open daily 9 am-4:30 pm. Entrance fee is £E 20, with an additional £E 40 fee for the Royal Mummy Room. There are extra charges of £E 10 for a camera (no flash) and £E 100 for a video camera. The museum is on the north side of Tahrir Square, next to the Nile Hilton (downtown). Phone 575-4319.
Gayer-Anderson House-If you have time, you may enjoy the idiosyncratic collection at this museum. British Major Gayer-Anderson renovated two old merchants' houses in the 1930s to show off his treasures. Daily 8 am-5 pm (closed Friday 11 am-1 pm). £E 16. El-Sabilah Street at Ahmed Ibn Tulun Square (Islamic Cairo). Phone 364-7822.
Manial Palace Museum-This 19th-century palace, a former residence of the royal family, showcases splendid architectural details and furnishings: Turkish tiles, Moroccan wood carving, Syrian wood inlays and Egyptian brass and woodwork. A royal reception hall, a small mosque and a museum of hunting trophies are part of the complex. 1 Al-Saray St. (Roda Island). Phone 368-7495.
Mohammed Mahmoud Khalil Museum-This beautiful villa, which has one facade in art-deco style and another in art-nouveau style, contains a private collection of impressionist paintings and objets d'art. The museum also has a nice garden setting. Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm. £E 25. 1 Kafour St. (Dokki, not far from the Sheraton Hotel). Phone 336-2358 or 336-2376.
Museum of Islamic Art-The world's rarest and most extensive collection of Islamic art, including tapestries, pottery, carpets, inlaid metalwork, medieval weapons and armor. Daily 9 am-4 pm (closed Friday 11 am-1 pm). £E 18. Port Said Street (Islamic Cairo on the north side of Ahmad Mahir Square). Phone 390-1520.
NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS
City of the Dead-Cairo's most unusual neighborhood is actually a large cemetery-it looks as if it's part of the city, but the buildings are tombs. It's estimated that more than one million people live among the tombs. The residents sometimes resent curious visitors, so if you do visit, go early in the morning and be conscious and considerate of the people around you. It's not safe to visit after dark.
East of Old Cairo. Islamic Cairo-This medieval quarter east of downtown is teeming with Islamic monuments from many different periods.
The main centers are the Citadel and its nearby mosques (in the south), and Al-Azhar Mosque and Khan el-Khalili (in the north). Worth seeing are also three large gates, which were part of the medieval wall that once surrounded the city: Bab Zuwayla, Bab el-Futuh and Bab el-Nasr-Muizz li-Din Street connects Bab Zuwayla to Bab el-Futuh. Strolling the narrow lanes and through the markets is very rewarding: You'll see things tourists don't normally see, and you'll find the people very friendly. Refresh yourself with a glass of tea or fresh-squeezed juice at any of the many cafes.
Old Cairo and the Coptic Quarter-This area, called Misr el-Qadima in Arabic, predates the Arab conquest of Egypt and the founding of Cairo by the Fatimids. It has a very different feel from the rest of the city, and it also has the city's oldest synagogue, church and mosque.
A fortress called Babylon was built there in AD 98 by the Roman emperor Trajan. Coptic Christians later settled in the area and built churches in or near the fortress, including Al-Muallaqa (the Hanging Church) and St. George's Church. Many of the Christian monuments have been identified and refurbished recently, sparking a surge in pilgrimage and religious tourism.
The Coptic Museum contains many artifacts found in the area. You can easily reach the neighborhood by taking the Metro to the Mari Girgis station.
|
Privacy
Policy Copyright
© 2004 CPSWI.com
All rights reserved.
