Cairo

The name “Cairo” is said to be derived from the Arabic Al-Qahira, the victorious. Legend has it that the planet –Kahir- or Mars was visible on the night of the foundation of the city.

Cairo –the jewel of the Nile- is a mix of the cosmopolitan, Islamic and Coptic Christian history, pharaonic wonders, suburban life and the bustling streets of a major metropolis.

The sights and sounds of Cairo have many things to offer, from the ancient mummies and King Tutankhamen treasures in the Egyptian Museum, to local and international cuisine, to the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, to Casino nightlife and a culture rich in tradition.

Explore Cairo.

The City Maps

The Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza
Enjoy the splendor of the Pyramids, the only remaining Wonder of the World. The Pyramids of Cheops, the largest of Egypt’s Pyramids, was built during the years 2589-2566 B.C. Nearby are the enigmatic figure of the Sphinx and the smaller pyramids of Giza. Be sure to catch the sound and light show at night when the Sphinx narrates some of Egypt’s ancient history, accompanied by spectacular audiovisual effects.

Memphis and Saqqara
Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, contains a colossal statue of King Ramses II as well as the famous alabaster sphinx. A short drive away lays Saqqara; which hosts the ruins of the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first pyramid ever built.

The Egyptian Museum
One of the most famous museums of the world, the Egyptian museum hosts the finest collection of Pharaonic antiquities discovered by man, covering the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom and sub-sequent dynasties.

Old Cairo
Coptic Cairo is another aspect of the City’s history. The Coptic Church, the Church of St. Serguis and the Hanging Church are fine examples of Coptic craftsmanship. As for the medieval Islamic Quarters, these provide countless examples of stunning architecture through the ages. The mosque of Sultan Hassan, Saladin’s Citadel, and the mosque of Ibn Tulun are the most famous. Be sure to also stop by the comprehensive exhibitions of the Islamic Museum and the famous Gayer Anderson Museum; a fascinating example of a typical early Islamic residence.

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