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Cairo, and the area around it are considered to be the heart of Egypt, and one may find almost every aspect of Egypt represented in the area, including some of the most famous Pharaonic, ancient Christian and Islamic monuments. Cairo, Egypt, the Triumphant City, known officially as al-Qāhirah is one of the world's largest urban areas and offers many sites to see. It is the administrative capital of Egypt and, close by, is almost every Egypt Pyramid, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza on the very edge of the city. But there are also ancient temples, tombs, Christian churches, magnificent Muslim monuments, and of course, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum all either within or nearby the city. Cairo, Egypt is an amazing city full of life and movement, and it is that way almost 24 hours every day, with the noisy honking of horns, children playing in the streets and merchants selling their wears and services. And here, the Egyptians are most at home in this powerful, modern and ancient city.
Attractions include:
The Pyramids of Giza
The only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The largest and oldest of the Pyramids of Giza is that of Cheops (Khufu) . Also known as the Great Pyramid, it is thought to have been built between 2589 - 2566 BC. Located at the base of the south face of the Great Pyramid are five boat pits discovered in 1982, as well as a Museum which houses one of the boats.
The Sphinx
Eulogized in poetry, enthroned in legend, the Sphinx remains a symbol of strength, wisdom and mystery for eons. Partially buried several times over the years by the shifting desert sands, the Sphinx now stands fully exposed with its impressive dimensions visible to all. The body of a lion with the head of a king or god, the Sphinx lines up with the Pyramid of Khafre.
Salah el Din Citadel
Old Cairo offers a multidude of examples of Islamic architecture, and monuments, including the beautiful and graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque and the ancient Citadel , a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. Originally built by Salah El-Din in 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders.
Khan el Khalili Bazaar
Cairo offers numerous shopping opportunities, Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is the place to go. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravans in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. This labrynth of narrow streets houses workshops and stalls (some of them hundreds of years old) selling all manner of things from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfumes, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities
The Pyramids of Abu Sir
The Pyramids of Abu Sir (near Sakkara ) consisted of 14 pyramids from the 5th Dynasty. Only 4 are still standing, Of the four there is Neferefre which was never finished and is in very poor condition. Neferikare which is also unfinished and the tallest of the group.
Cheops Pyramid
King Khufu, who is also known by the Greek name "Cheops," was the father of pyramid building at Giza . He ruled from 2551 - 2528 B.C. and was the son of King Sneferu and Queen Hetpeheres. The pyramid was built in 2589-2566 B.C. and consists of 2,300,000 limestone and granite blocks of stone.
Memphis
Memphis was built in 3,100 BC, and is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. By the 3rd Dynasty, the building at Sakkara suggests that Memphis had become a sizable city. Memphis was later used as a stone quarry, but the 'cemetery city' of Sakkara survives.
The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is located at Tahrir Square in Cairo . Built in 1897 it has 107 halls comprising of: Huge Pharaonic statues and sarcophagi on the Ground Floor. Tutankhamen treasures. Pre-dynasty and Old Kingdom monuments.
Recommended Hotels in Cairo
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