Sightseeing in Cairo - what to see. Complete travel guide

Cairo is often called “a city of a thousand of minarets”. This magnificent resort has already conquered hearts of tourists. Mysterious pyramids of Giza, wonderful mosques and fairytale-like places – all these factors make Cairo resemble a miraculous city that never stops amazing its visitors by its secrets.

On the territory of the city are located over a hundred of pyramids, and each one of them is full of its own legends and secrets. The Pyramid of Cheops remains an unforgettable manmade masterpiece and an internationally famous tourist spot. The height of the pyramid estimates 147 meters. Many fascinating hypotheses and theories are connected with this unique architectural facility. However, the main mystery, the purpose of the pyramids, still remains unknown. Even these days archeologists keep working on the territory of Giza, revealing more precious information about the history of ancient Egypt. You can get acquainted with discovered artifacts and enjoy the achievements of modern scientists during the excursion to the Museum of Archeology.

Huge Sphinxes remains the main guardian of the pyramids. Its strict and grandiose look makes travellers stop breathing from admiration. Among religious buildings we should underline Mohammad Ali Mosque that was built in the middle of the previous century. This is one of the largest temples of the country. The mosque is decorated with a huge cupola and inner halls are tiled with rare marble. Because of this even during hot days the air in the mosque remains cool. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Near the mosque you will find Citadel – one of the oldest buildings in the world. On the territory of the fort are built several palaces and mosques. Old barracks and warehouses have also managed to survive. This large architectural complex is the place of location of several museums devoted to history, military equipment and even royal carriages. In mosques visitors can see numerous wonderful pictures and interior decorations.

For all who like to walk in picturesque places, it will be interesting to visit the El Tahrir Garden. Its main attractive feature is the variety of sculptures; all of them are made by local craftsmen and are a true reflection of the national culture. In combination with beautiful landscapes, the sculptures look simply unrepeatable.

In Cairo is the world-famous Blue Mosque. It is open to adherents of absolutely all religions. The mosque is very large and has a luxurious decoration. Beautiful green and blue faience were used while finishing its prayer hall. Experienced travelers are advised to visit the mosque in the early morning, at this time the number of tourists is not so great, and you can enjoy the surrounding architectural beauty in a deserted environment.

In the heart of the city is the greatest architectural monument of our time - the Cairo Tower. This is an incredibly beautiful skyscraper, which, with its outlines, resembles a lotus stalk. Its height is 187 meters. In this skyscraper there are office centers and shopping pavilions, and on one of its last floors there is a revolving restaurant. Here is also one of the best viewing grounds in the city, ideal for admiring the panorama of the Nile.

Tourists with children in Cairo should definitely visit an amazing open-air museum called Pharaonic Village. Here visitors are offered to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the past, swim along the channels of the Nile on a special floating amphitheater and take part in interesting entertainment programs. Here you can learn about how people lived during the time of the Pharaohs, what kinds of crafts they were engaged in and how to cultivate the land. Some visitors to the museum will be able to learn some kinds of handicraft art.

At the peak of popularity among tourists remains the Museum of Islamic Art, within its walls there is a collection of unique exhibits of various periods. It stores a lot of precious metal products, some of them previously belonged to royal people. Of particular value to the museum are the ancient Korans, which used precious metals and stones. It occupies a spectacular historical building and has a very beautiful interior decoration.