Historic Cairo
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(v) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Historic Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish quarters of the city. It is considered one of the oldest and most significant cities in the Islamic world, with a history dating back to the 7th century. The site contains many of Cairo's most important landmarks, including the mosques of Ibn Tulun, Al-Azhar, and Al-Hakim, as well as the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon.
Prominent Features: The most prominent feature of Historic Cairo is its architecture, which includes examples of Islamic, Coptic, and Mamluk styles. Visitors can explore the narrow alleyways of the Islamic quarter, which are lined with mosques, madrasas, and markets. They can also visit the Coptic quarter, which contains some of the oldest Christian churches in the world, including the Hanging Church and the Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus. Other notable landmarks include the Saladin Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque.
History: Cairo was founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty, who made it their capital. Over the centuries, the city grew in size and importance, becoming a center of Islamic learning and culture. It was also an important commercial hub, linking Africa, Asia, and Europe. Historic Cairo was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, in recognition of its outstanding architectural and cultural significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a number of activities in Historic Cairo, such as visiting the Cairo Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city, or taking a cruise along the Nile River. Children can also learn about Egyptian history and culture at the Egyptian Museum or visit the Giza Pyramids, located just outside of Cairo.
Fun Fact: The Hanging Church, located in the Coptic quarter of Historic Cairo, is so named because it is suspended above a passageway, giving the appearance that it is "hanging" in mid-air.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for Historic Cairo vary depending on the specific sites and attractions visited. Some sites, such as the Saladin Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque, have separate entry fees. Visitors can purchase a Cairo Pass, which provides access to multiple sites and attractions for a discounted price.
The Cairo Citadel: 200 Egyptian pounds for foreign visitors (around $13 USD) and 100 Egyptian pounds for Egyptian nationals and residents. Separate fees are charged for entry into the various museums and attractions within the Citadel complex.
The Islamic Cairo historic district: Many of the historic buildings and mosques in Islamic Cairo are free to enter, while others charge a small fee (typically 20-30 Egyptian pounds). The entrance fee for the Ibn Tulun Mosque is 80 Egyptian pounds for foreign visitors and 40 Egyptian pounds for Egyptian nationals and residents.
The Coptic Cairo historic district: Many of the historic churches and sites in Coptic Cairo are free to enter, while others charge a small fee (typically 10-20 Egyptian pounds). The entrance fee for the Coptic Museum is 160 Egyptian pounds for foreign visitors and 80 Egyptian pounds for students with an international student ID or Egyptian nationals and residents.
How to Reach it: Historic Cairo is located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the Cairo Metro. Visitors can also take a taxi or hire a private car to get to the site. Cairo International Airport is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center and serves as a major hub for international flights.
Where to Stay: Cairo offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including luxury hotels, budget hotels, and hostels. Some of the popular options include the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, and the Hostel Luna.
Next Stop: Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(v) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Historic Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish quarters of the city. It is considered one of the oldest and most significant cities in the Islamic world, with a history dating back to the 7th century. The site contains many of Cairo's most important landmarks, including the mosques of Ibn Tulun, Al-Azhar, and Al-Hakim, as well as the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon.
Prominent Features: The most prominent feature of Historic Cairo is its architecture, which includes examples of Islamic, Coptic, and Mamluk styles. Visitors can explore the narrow alleyways of the Islamic quarter, which are lined with mosques, madrasas, and markets. They can also visit the Coptic quarter, which contains some of the oldest Christian churches in the world, including the Hanging Church and the Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus. Other notable landmarks include the Saladin Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque.
History: Cairo was founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty, who made it their capital. Over the centuries, the city grew in size and importance, becoming a center of Islamic learning and culture. It was also an important commercial hub, linking Africa, Asia, and Europe. Historic Cairo was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, in recognition of its outstanding architectural and cultural significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a number of activities in Historic Cairo, such as visiting the Cairo Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city, or taking a cruise along the Nile River. Children can also learn about Egyptian history and culture at the Egyptian Museum or visit the Giza Pyramids, located just outside of Cairo.
Fun Fact: The Hanging Church, located in the Coptic quarter of Historic Cairo, is so named because it is suspended above a passageway, giving the appearance that it is "hanging" in mid-air.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for Historic Cairo vary depending on the specific sites and attractions visited. Some sites, such as the Saladin Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque, have separate entry fees. Visitors can purchase a Cairo Pass, which provides access to multiple sites and attractions for a discounted price.
The Cairo Citadel: 200 Egyptian pounds for foreign visitors (around $13 USD) and 100 Egyptian pounds for Egyptian nationals and residents. Separate fees are charged for entry into the various museums and attractions within the Citadel complex.
The Islamic Cairo historic district: Many of the historic buildings and mosques in Islamic Cairo are free to enter, while others charge a small fee (typically 20-30 Egyptian pounds). The entrance fee for the Ibn Tulun Mosque is 80 Egyptian pounds for foreign visitors and 40 Egyptian pounds for Egyptian nationals and residents.
The Coptic Cairo historic district: Many of the historic churches and sites in Coptic Cairo are free to enter, while others charge a small fee (typically 10-20 Egyptian pounds). The entrance fee for the Coptic Museum is 160 Egyptian pounds for foreign visitors and 80 Egyptian pounds for students with an international student ID or Egyptian nationals and residents.
How to Reach it: Historic Cairo is located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the Cairo Metro. Visitors can also take a taxi or hire a private car to get to the site. Cairo International Airport is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center and serves as a major hub for international flights.
Where to Stay: Cairo offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including luxury hotels, budget hotels, and hostels. Some of the popular options include the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, and the Hostel Luna.
Next Stop: Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur