Cairo"s Must-Sees
One of the largest cities in Africa, Cairo is the exciting capital of Egypt and, as with many popular backpacking destinations, there is so much to see and do that some attractions can be overlooked.
But there a few hidden gems that should be on every traveler's itinerary, even on their first visit to the city! Pyramids of Giza The Great Pyramid of Khufu in Cairo is (deservedly) one of the iconic Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is both historically and visually stunning.
Alongside Khufu, the Pyramids of Giza site is home to Menkaura and Khafre's Pyramids and the famous Sphinx statue.
They seem to grow as if by magic out of the desert immediately surrounding Cairo.
Although Khufu is the most dominant of these attractions, many believe that the Sphinx is actually the oldest of the monumental structures of Giza.
All, however, are equally deserving of a trip from nearby hostels in Cairo to experience them up close.
Sultan Hassan Mosque This stylish example of 12th century Arabic design is exceptionally well-preserved.
The huge 70 meter façade has an immediately humbling effect on visitors and the intricately detailed interior is just as impressive, But the mosque is not only unique for its beauty, but also its history; originally commissioned by Sultan Hassan in 1356, it could only be completed by making use of funds 'recovered' from victims of the Black Death.
In its heyday, the mosque provided four separate areas for each of the branches of Sunni Islam's intellectual thought - Shafi, Maliki, Hanafi and Hanbali.
Coptic Cairo Hidden among the hubbub of the city's busy marketplaces and roads is Coptic Cairo, part of the Old Town which encompasses many significant historic and cultural attractions.
This part of the city played a significant role in the expansion of Christianity throughout Egypt and is home to the Hanging Church and Babylon Fortress among others.
The first settlers are thought to have arrived in Coptic Cairo about 6th century BC, although many of the ancient sights that survive here today were actually built long after this.
Nonetheless, its architecture predates that of the modern districts of the city where more commercial buildings (including Cairo hostels) are to be found.
But there a few hidden gems that should be on every traveler's itinerary, even on their first visit to the city! Pyramids of Giza The Great Pyramid of Khufu in Cairo is (deservedly) one of the iconic Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is both historically and visually stunning.
Alongside Khufu, the Pyramids of Giza site is home to Menkaura and Khafre's Pyramids and the famous Sphinx statue.
They seem to grow as if by magic out of the desert immediately surrounding Cairo.
Although Khufu is the most dominant of these attractions, many believe that the Sphinx is actually the oldest of the monumental structures of Giza.
All, however, are equally deserving of a trip from nearby hostels in Cairo to experience them up close.
Sultan Hassan Mosque This stylish example of 12th century Arabic design is exceptionally well-preserved.
The huge 70 meter façade has an immediately humbling effect on visitors and the intricately detailed interior is just as impressive, But the mosque is not only unique for its beauty, but also its history; originally commissioned by Sultan Hassan in 1356, it could only be completed by making use of funds 'recovered' from victims of the Black Death.
In its heyday, the mosque provided four separate areas for each of the branches of Sunni Islam's intellectual thought - Shafi, Maliki, Hanafi and Hanbali.
Coptic Cairo Hidden among the hubbub of the city's busy marketplaces and roads is Coptic Cairo, part of the Old Town which encompasses many significant historic and cultural attractions.
This part of the city played a significant role in the expansion of Christianity throughout Egypt and is home to the Hanging Church and Babylon Fortress among others.
The first settlers are thought to have arrived in Coptic Cairo about 6th century BC, although many of the ancient sights that survive here today were actually built long after this.
Nonetheless, its architecture predates that of the modern districts of the city where more commercial buildings (including Cairo hostels) are to be found.
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