subject: Famous Landmarks In Cairo, Egypt [print this page] Famous Landmarks In Cairo, Egypt Famous Landmarks In Cairo, Egypt
The landmarks have historical memories that visitors should inquire about while in this beautiful African country. This city covers an area of over 453 square kilometers and it is situated on the banks of both River Nile and the Delta River. The city is also the largest in Africa and was built more than 6000 years ago. The city has also served as the capital of the various Egyptian civilizations. It is a busy town with many business establishments, universities, hotels, government offices and many cultural institutions.
Citadel (Al-Qalaa) is one of the most famous places in Cairo. The Citadel is situated in the eastern part of the city and was started by Saladin in 1176 and completed by the sultans that followed. The Citadel which is believed to be one of the world's greatest monuments is famous for its museums, mosques and for its stone fort. A part from this, it is famous for its fresh breeze and also for excellent bird viewing. The enormous stone fort consists of one military museum and one police museum. There are two mosques which are decorated with Ottoman architecture domes, outer structure, cloister, minarets and the Citadel walls.
The Great Sphinx located near the Great Pyramids of Giza is another famous landmark in Cairo. The sphinx which is a limestone structure is noted for its mythical identity of a lion's body and woman's head. This structure which is more than 4000 years old is still in good shape regardless of its age. The Coptic Church which is also known as Al Mu'allaqa is the oldest Christian church in Egypt built during the third century.
Borj al-Qahira (Cairo Tower) is a free-standing modern concrete and is also a major landmark in the country. This tower is the tallest all-concrete structure in the world and is about 45m taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza. About 8 million small mosaic lozenges were used to build the tower by at least five hundred workers. It has a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy your meals as you view the distant desert landscape. Bab El-Futuh (Gate of Conquest) is a massive arch carved from one single block of stone that marks the northern boundary of the old Fatimid City. The Gate of Conquest was constructed in the year 1089 to protect the city from the menace of the Turks. A tour of Cairo is a life time experience that will leave every visitor with memorable moments and a thirst to go for more.
Jackline Mwathe Is A Tour Operator And Has Been Organizing And Reporting On Africa Vacation, Travel And Tour For Years. For more information on African Tourism, visit her site atLANDMARKS IN CAIRO
