Cairo

City Description

Located right in the center of the Middle East region, this city has been the center of the world in Ancient times. This city has earned numerous descriptions like City of a Thousand Minarets and Mother of the World to name a few of this grandiose city.

Most likely, in any era, travelers have visited the ancient capital city of Cairo. Cairo was founded in the 10th century by the Fatimid Dynasty, then passed on to the Ayyubids, and then the Mamluks, then later on the Ottomans up until to the French and British in the 50’s where the first Egyptian republic was installed.

Currently, Cairo remains to be one of the largest cities in the world and the biggest in the Middle East. This city where the Pharaohs have walked is ranked Number 6 in the world in terms of population. This city upon the banks of the Nile River is also said to be a city of contrasts between ancient and modern, rich and poor, peace and chaos. This eternal great city is also where the Giza Pyramids, the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World, can be found together with significant ancient Pharaonic monuments. Aside from the Pharaonic monuments, Cairo is also home to dozens of Islamic and Coptic monuments. In terms of modern attractions, the lush island of Gezira and the belle epoque facades are favorite tourist visit spots in the area of downtown Cairo.

On a usual day, incessant honks from cars, yelling street hawkers and the reminder prayer bells that ring five times every day pretty much makes up for the chaotic yet cheerful mood of the city. The vibrant streets of this culture-rich city have never had lack for food and entertainment.

During summer, the city is hot, being in a desert topography. The heat notches down several degrees during winters but just enough to say it’s still relatively warm. Cairo is blessed by the sunshine throughout the year.

Places of interest:

Ancient Egypt monuments

• Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

• Museum of Pharaonic Art

• Step Pyramid of Saqqara, the “Mastabas”, and the Serapeum

• Pyramids of Dahshur

Coptic Christian monuments

• Church of San Sergio

• Church of San Macario

• Hanging Church

• St. George Church

• St. Mark’s Cathedral