Discover Cairo's Historical Places: A Journey Through Time

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and it is a city which blends past and present. Popularly called the “City of a Thousand Minarets”, it is an open museum of historic sites for millennia. Cairo has historical monuments that range from the amazing Pyramids of Giza to Islamic architecture.  This guide takes you through the must-see attractions, such as Egyptian Museum, Salah El-Din Citadel, Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, and the Old Cairo, to help assure an unforgettable visit.

The Rich Tapestry of Cairo's History.

Cairo's history is rich with influences from Egypt, Copt and Islam.  Today we know Cairo as a city founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty but from the time of the Pharaohs, there used to be a settlement. People have been living in the area that is now Cairo for more than 6000 years.

The Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC) capital of Egypt was the ancient city of Memphis, just south of present-day Cairo. The Pharaohs constructed the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, at this location. Over the years, Cairo started getting populated with diverse beliefs and cultures. Coptic Christians are said to have established churches more than two thousand years ago in what is currently known as Coptic Cairo. The Copts are said to trace their faith to Saint Mark in the 1st century.

In the 7th century when Islam reached Cairo, architecture of the city began to change. The Fatimid Caliphate built some beautiful mosques and madrasas during their rule from the 10th to the 12th centuries. In the 13th century, Mamluks designed this city, where structures with lofty minarets are available to add architectural beauty to this city.

The History of Cairo entails that Cairo is more than its beautiful monuments. Its culture and traditions make Cairo what it is as do the people. Exploring the historic sites of Cairo is like reading a living history book, each page reveals more of the secrets of this city’s past.

Top 5 Must-Visit Historical Sites in Cairo.

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

There is no doubt that the Pyramids of Giza are symbols of Egypt. Around 4,500 years ago, during the Fourth Dynasty, the Pyramids of Giza were built as tombs for the Pharaohs. Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of the three and the oldest 146.6 m (481 feet) high when it was originally built.

Not far from the pyramids, look for the Great Sphinx of Giza constructed with a lion body and human head. The Sphinx, which is likely a representation of the Pharaoh Khafre, is one of the largest and oldest statues in the world. Construction and purpose (of Sphinx) have puzzled people for thousands of years and even today.

The Egyptian Museum.

The Egyptian Museum, located in Tahrir Square, boasts the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. The museum gives visitors a good outline of Egypt with more than 120,000 objects on display. You can see Tutankhamun’s golden sarcophagi, the Royal Mummy Hall, and the treasure of Queen Hetepheres’ Tomb.

The collection of the museum extends from the Predynastic times, (6000 – 3100 BC) to the Greco-Roman period (332 BC – 395 AD). Every object gives a peek into the lives, governance, and worship practices of the ancient Egyptians.

Salah El-Din Citadel.

Overlooking Cairo from atop a hill, the Salah El-Din Citadel is a medieval Islamic fortress that served as the seat of power for the rulers of Egypt for nearly 700 years. The citadel was built by Salah El-Din (Saladin) the Ayyubid ruler in the 12th century to protect the city from Crusaders.

Inside the chiar, you will find the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or also known as the Alabaster Mosque. This mosque is an Ottoman-style establishment built in the 19th century in Cairo. Its stunning turrets and large courtyard offer breathtaking views of the city.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

Take a step back in time in Khan El-Khalili, the ancient market of Cairo, where he’ll see some of the oldest buildings in the Middle East. It was established in the 14th century; also, this bazaar has been a busy place of trade for centuries.

You can still find almost everything in Khan El-Khalili, like authentic handicrafts, jewellery, spices, perfumes and many more goods here. The bazaar also has many old coffee shops where you can take a break and soak in the atmosphere of Cairo.

Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo).

Old Cairo is a historic Christian and Islamic city within the walls of the ancient Roman fort of Babylon. This portion of the city has some of Egypt's oldest churches, including the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church) and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus.

The Hanging Church is one of the most famous Coptic churches in Cairo. Its name comes from its construction on the top of the gatehouse of the Roman fortress. Its beautiful wood screen and icons are from the 12th century. The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus is thought to have been built at the place where the Holy Family rested when travelling to Egypt.

Old Cairo is also home to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, which is said to have been constructed in 9th century. It is believed that the baby Moses was found in the bulrushes at this spot.

The Architectural Wonders of Old Cairo.

Old Cairo has beautiful architecture that reflects the many different cultures that have existed in the area. The site is acclaimed for its Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish monuments, each a reflection of the artistic spiritual traditions of the time.

The mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of the oldest mosques in Cairo, was built in the 9th century. The large patio and the spiral minaret make it one of the oldest mosques in Cairo.

The Hanging Church, with its magnificent woodwork and belfry, is a beautiful example of Coptic architecture. The interior of the church has intricate carvings and paintings that portray various scenes from the Bible.

The Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo was built on a site believed to be the location where baby Moses was hidden in the Nile.  In the Geniza (the storage room) of the synagogue were found thousands of Jewish manuscripts, from the medieval age, which provide insights into the life of Cairo Jewry.

The Stories Behind the Famous Landmarks.

Every historical site in Cairo has a story to tell. The pyramids of Giza served as monumental tombs for Pharaohs, showcasing their divine connection while also resulting in a legacy. The Sphinx, a lion with a human head, is supposed to be the guardian of the pyramids, and symbolic of the Pharaohs.

The Salah El-Din Citadel was built to defend Cairo from Crusader attacks, while the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar was a flourishing trading post along the Silk Road. The Hanging Church, along with the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, gives an insight into the history of Christianity.

Tips for Exploring Historical Places in Cairo 

Best Time to Visit.

The best time to see the historical sites of Cairo is during the cooler months of the year, like from October to April.

Guided Tours.

For a better understanding of the history and importance, engage an authorized guide.

Transportation.

Take a reputable cab or rideshare service to get around in town. Around historical places in areas like Old Cairo, many places are within walking distance.

Stay Hydrated.

Cairo can be quite hot and dry, so either carry a water bottle or use sunscreen so you can stay cool during your explorations.

conclusion

Cairo is a historical city, an intriguing mixture of ancient wonders and modern color. Cairo has been home to many quaint yet wonderful places that you cannot miss out on. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, you will find a story hidden in each corner of the city. When you take in the stunning details of Islamic architecture, journey across the holy sites of Coptic Cairo, or enjoy the sweeping views from Salah El-Din Citadel, you cannot go wrong in Cairo.

Ready to explore the wonders of Cairo? Book your dream tour with LuxReisen today and embark on a journey through time!