Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Open now
Cairo Historic Sites
Historic Sites in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo Historic Sites
Category types
Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
Awards
Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
Traveler rating
Good for
42 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Open now
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Open now
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Open now
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Open now
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Showing results 1-30 of 42
What travelers are saying
- Considered ReviewNorwich, UK1,648 contributionsThe grand mosques always impress and this does too. A gloriously elegant courtyard leads you into the spacious interior. The lights and decoration are beautiful. Shoes off for all and head coverings for the ladies. Nice also to see the traditional mosque cat poking about here and there too! There was a little family of pusses living against the back wall behind a pew. Very sweet.Written October 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Considered ReviewNorwich, UK1,648 contributionsImposing is the word. When it came to military matters Saladin was one of the best and his creation of this grand fortress reflects that. An impressive ancient relic.Written October 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert ORotterdam, The Netherlands5,818 contributionsCompleted in 1363 this mosque and school symbolizes the power of the Mamluk sultans. Its initiator was Hassan, the energetic (7th) son of Mohamed Hassan. Perhaps in a hurry to leave his mark on the world - assassinated at the age of 27- he chose an ambitious project. The main building is 150 meters long, 68m wide and 36m high. A colossal structure even now, let alone if placed in the 14th century context. The ornamentation is perhaps not as refined as other examples of Mamluk architecture, but still awe inspiring.Written May 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary2,326 contributionsThis mosque was opened in 879. It has a huge central yard with arcades on four sides. We had to wear a plastic bag on our shoes (we got it for some tips, of course). Prayer carpets are everywhere. Its spiral minaret is interesting, too.Written April 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert DBrooklyn, New York4,338 contributionsThe Ben Ezra Synagogue dates to the 12th century. It was rebuilt in the late 19th century. The interior is interesting to see. However, photography inside is prohibited.Written April 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert ORotterdam, The Netherlands5,818 contributionsCompleted in 1285 in just 13th months time! It was possible, because the assigned supervisor even forced local passers-by to work. Not to mention other workers and enslaved Mongols who were taken as prisoners of war earlier. "Brutal abuse" was their fate according to contemporary historian Al Maqrizi. Sultan Qalawun and his son who both have their tombs in the mausoleum must have thought: it is the magnificent result that counts.Written June 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert ORotterdam, The Netherlands5,818 contributionsBeyond doubt Zuweila Gate is the most impressive of the three remaining gates of the old Fatimid era city of Cairo. Ever since the Fatimids conquered Egypt and founded Cairo in 969 AD they paid special attention to defence. The two towers (minarets of the adjacent mosque) served as watch towers to check on possible hostile intrudors.
If you walk the 1.5 km from Bab Zuweila (originally part of the southern wall) to the northern gates (Bab al Futuh and Bab al Nasr) in the now partly restored northern wall, you get an idea of the size of the old city.Written May 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - badraxFort Lauderdale, FL1,387 contributionsThis is a great example of the richness of this incredible country
A Roman fortress in the middle of Cairo
Highly recommendedWritten October 17, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Aisha YCairo, Egypt106 contributionsThe palace is a historical attraction that is known for its wonderful architecture and rich cultural heritage. The Palace offers a unique opportunity to explore the opulent lifestyle of the Egyptian aristocracy. The palace's well-preserved interiors, beautiful gardens, and artistic exhibits. It is a perfect setting for a memorable outing with friends, combining education, aesthetics, and leisure.Written July 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sakkara11Cairo, Egypt614 contributionsThe most original Pyramids! Ok, they might not look like we have pyramids in mind. We always think, all pyramids must look like the Pyramids of Giza. But the "perfect shape" is not preserved in most of the almost 100 pyramids, still to be seen in Egypt. Abusir Pyramids are halfway between Giza and Sakkara. And you litterally pass by them. Its a huge field, the significant onces are (like in Giza) 3 greater pyramids. But if you have time, go to walk some 400 meters to the sun temple of Niuserre and feel the atmosphere. You will not regret and you will tell your folks back home: "I have been an archeologist in Egypt"!Written February 2, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TJim603,592 contributionsThis is another modern history site in Egypt. Worth a visit if you're interested in the Shah or others buried here.
After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi eventually found sanctuary in Egypt where he died 27 July 1980
After his death he was accorded a state military funeral by Egyptian President Anwar As-Sadat and then interred here.
The mosque was built to replace a more informal shrine to Sufi "Saint" Ahmed Al-Rifai and as well as tombs for some members of the Royal Family.
At times during the last 200 or so years, Egypt and Iran had good relations.
Iran was one of the first countries to recognize Egypt's independence and open an Embassy.
In 1939 King Farouk's sister Fawzia married Mohammed while he was Crown Prince.
King Farouk is accused of using his ambassador in Tehran to communicate with the Axis Powers during WWII according to some historical reports.
Mohammed Reza's father--Shah Reza was deposed by the British and USSR 1941 invasion on charges of collaborating with the Axis Powers.
Mohammed then became Shah.
Shah Reza died in 1944 in South Africa and was buried in Al Rifai Mosque. His body was returned to Iran after WWII.
Some historic accounts blame the 1952 Egyptian Revolution for a deterioration in Iranian/Egyptian relations but the break in relations occurred in 1960 after Iran recognized Israel.
During the Nasser era, there were positive steps not only between Iran and Egypt on a state to state level, but also on a religious level.
In 1959 the Sheikh of Al Azhar Mahmud Shaltut issued a legal opinion "fatwa" that there were five permissible legal schools in Islam: the four traditional Sunni schools plus the Jaafari (Shi'ah) school.Written December 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ivan KinsmanKielce, Poland1,089 contributionsThis is a simple coptic church. Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus took shelter here for 3 years from Herod and the church is built on the site of the well they drank water from.
Very simple brick with no plaster overlay as yhe religious practitioners were poor.Written February 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Robert ORotterdam, The Netherlands5,818 contributionsThough stone masonry was initially developed by the Byzantines, the Fatimid rulers during the 11th century were quick to incorporate the technique into their military architectural designs. Initially they used brick, but stone proved to be more solid. After more than 900 years Bab al Futuh is still in good shape. The gate is supported by two enormous round towers, that perhaps also show off triumph and not just serve a military purpose.Written May 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alice RHobart, Australia8,927 contributionsUnlike any other building around this place stands out amongst this busy area. We didn't get to enter here but visit if you're in the area.Written March 25, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- macedonboyGlasgow, UK186,371 contributionsMosque of Sultan Al-Ashraf Barsbay is a historic mosque in Islamic Cairo that was a historical complex of mosque, madrasa, a Sufi lodgings. Built during the Mamluk period, the architecture with characteristic minaret leitmotifs, geometric carved surface and interleaving of coloured stones.
It’s free to enter and is worth a quick detour if in Islamic Cairo.Written November 7, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
