CAIRO

<p>The largest city in Africa, where designer boutiques and five star hotels sit side by side with cloistered souks, bazaars and Mosques. Cairo is a teeming city, both modern and old, a new centre with suburbs 5,000 years old, cream painted houses and yellowed stone pyramids. Its sands hold more history within its gritty folds, and perhaps a lot more wisdom, than has yet been discovered. The pyramids of Egypt, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are the only one of those wonders to survive to the present day.</p>

MAP

WHAT TO SEE

Great Pyramids

Great Pyramids

When you think of Egypt, the first iconic image that springs to mind is the Great Pyramids of Giza on the outskirts of Cairo. They are the oldest and largest pyramids in Egypt and are the only ancient wonder of the world left standing today which is a great testament to the skill and knowledge of the ancient Egyptian culture. The complex houses the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, together these are known as the Great Pyramids. Also found in the complex is the massive sculpture of the Great Sphinx.

Cairo

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum

This impressive building houses hundreds of thousands of Egyptian antiquities. It is a place for true discovery and a glimpse into the world of ancient Egypt. It has the largest collection of treasures from the tomb of King Tutankhamen including his famous gold mask. The building was built during the reign of Khedive Abbass Helmi II in 1897 and opened on November 15 1902. It has 107 halls; on the ground floor are huge statues that tower over you; the upper floor houses small statues, jewels, the Tutankhamen treasures and the mummies.

Cairo

Hanging Church

Hanging Church

Known in Arabic as al-Muallaqah ("The Suspended"), the Hanging Church is the most famous Coptic church in Cairo. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is thus also known as Sitt Mariam or St. Mary's Church. The Hanging Church is named for its location above a gatehouse of the Roman fortress in Old Cairo; its nave is suspended over a passage. The church is approached by 29 steps; early travelers to Cairo dubbed it "the Staircase Church.

Egypt

Khan El-Khalili

Khan El-Khalili

No visit to Cairo is Complete without a stop at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, where you will be transported back in time to an old Arab souk. Shop owners calling you to their stalls, the scent of spices, the hustle and bustle of trade, and the many beautiful objects that can purchased will have you lost among alleys for hours. Put your haggling skills to the test when buying statuettes, spices, souvenirs, silver jewellery, t-shirts, galabiyyas, belly dancing costumes, or anything for that matter. When your shopping's done, dont miss out on a traditional cup of tea.

Egypt

Mohamed Ali Mosque

Mohamed Ali Mosque

Visiting Cairo, you will easily locate the Mohamed Ali Mosque, due to its prominent features: its dome rises up to 52 metres high and two east side minarets reach not less than 84 meters. While wandering around the mosque, you will soon discover why it also holds the name of the 'Alabaster Mosque.' Its interior and exterior walls are amazingly coated with alabaster to the height of 11 metres. The Mohammed Ali Mosque crowns the Citadel of Salah el-Din in Cairo. It was built between 1830 and 1848 by the architect Yousef Bushnak and upon Mohamed Ali Pasha's request.

Egypt
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