| |
|
ÇáÓíÇÍÜÉ |
|
Pharaonic Monuments in Cairo |
|
History tells
us that the ancient Egyptian civilization from the 3oth. Century B.C. –
began to evolve an artistic style depicted in architecture, engraving and
painting the visitor can discover this for himself all over Egypt. Cairo
has been blessed with a good portion of these antiquities. |
|
The step Pyramid of Saqqara |
|
Built by Zoser, the first of the III
Dynasty monarchs it is the first massive stone edifice known to
history. The Saqqara Pyramid is considered an evolution in the
concept of pyramids, from the simple “mastaba” to the pyramid in its
known form in the region of Saqqara (27 kilometres south-west of
Cairo), the visitor may view the pyramids of “Unas” “Oserkaf” and
the mastabas of “Mereruka” “Ti” and “Ptahotep” as well as the famous
“Serapeum” (the tomb of the bull “Apis”). |
 |
|
|
The Great Pyramid |
Built by king
Cheops (lVth Dynasty) circa 2690 B.C., the Great Pyramid covers an area of
13 acres its height, originally 146 metres, has now become 137 metres
after the erosion of its summit. The total volume of its stones amounts to
2.5 million cubic metres.
The ancient Egyptian’s aim in building the pyramids was that they should
serve as sepulchres for their Pharaohs, to preserve their bodies for they
believed in resurrection and immortality. |
|
The Second Pyramid |
|
The Second
Pyramid was built by King Chefren, the son of Cheops. Its height reaches
136 metres parts of the pyramid still bear traces of the outer casing
which covered it. |
|
The Third Pyramid |
|
This smaller
pyramid was built in the reign of “Menkaura” the son of Chefren, its
height is 62 metres. The lower wall of this pyramid is encased in a layer
of granite. |
|
The sphinx |
 |
A mythical statue with the body of a
lion and the face of man, the sphinx measures 70 metres in length
and approximately 20 metres in height. Scholars believe that the
face of the sphinx closely resembles that of Chefren. The Sphinx and
the tree Pyramids were considered one of the seven wonders of the
world in ancient times. |
|
|
Ramses II’s statue |
|
A giant statue
of Ramses II, the greatest of the New Kingdom monarchs (amongst whose
immortal relics are the temples of Abu Simbel), meets the eyes of those
arriving at Cairo for the statue occupies a prominent part of Cairo’s Main
Railway station square, which bears his name, Ramses Square.
|
|
The Matariya Obelisk |
|
It stands in
the suburb of Matariya. The obelisk is one of the two which once rose tall
at the entrance to the famous “sun Temple” in “Heliopolis” (the present
Ein Shams and Matariya). |
| |
|
Islamic Monuments in Cairo |
|
Cairo- “The
city of a thousand minarets” - abounds in all that tepresents Islamic
architecture, mosques, schools, hotels, palaces, public baths,
caravansaries, forts and walls ….. all of which have their place in the
capital of Arabism and Islam as testimony of its great prostige and
ancient glory. |
|
The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas |
|
The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas, in the
Fustal region, is the first mosque to be built in Egypt. Also the
oldest Islamic university, it continued to impart its message
through nine conturies. It is a spacious mosque pervaded by
simplicity and one in chich the architecture of diverse eras is
represented. |
 |
|
|
the Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Touloun |
|
the Mosque of
Ahmed Ibn Touloun, in the district of Sayeda Zeinab was the third mosque
to be built in Egypt. It is distinctive in its huge dimensions and
possesses a rich collection of gypsum ornamentation. Its minaret is unique
in Egypt as it is distinguished by an external staircase. |
|
Al-Azhar Mosque |
|
is the
first Fatimid mosque in Cairo. Situated in the centre of a region
abounding in the finest of Islamic monuments, the mosque in its present
form comprises a group of buildings erected during various eras. Al-Azhar
University is one of the oldest in the world, the first lecture having
been given there in 975 A. D. it is still regarded as the school of Imams
and leaders of political revolutions and religious reform movements.
|
|
Sultan Hassan Mosque & School |
|
Sultan Hassan
Mosque & School, at the end of Al-Qalaa street (Citadel St.), was built by
Sultan Al-Nasser Hassan Ibn Mohamed Ibn Qalawoon as a mosque and school
for the four Islamic Sects. The mosque, in its entirely, is a rare
masterpiece of Islamic architecture. |
|
The Dome, school, and Hospital of Qalawoon |
|
The Dome,
school, and Hospital of Qalawoon are located at the north end of the
goldsmith’s section in the Azhar district. This group is rich in diverse
arts; especially in the dome, the walls of which are covered with marble
inlaid with mother of pearl. The ceilings are ornamented and engraved in
gold. It has a marble “mihrab” (the niche facing Mecca), unique for its
height and the intricacy of workmanship. The dome is of a unique design
and the only one of its kind in Egypt. |
|
Bab Zuwaila & the Mo’ayad Mosque |
|
Bab Zuwaila
one of Cairo’s original gates-was built in 1091 A.D. rising above it today
is the mosque of Al-Mo’ayad with its twin minarets. Built in 1441 A.D. the
mosque is regarded as the pride of the Circassian Mamelukes and its
minarets are among the most elegant in Cairo. |
|
The mosque of Qait Bay |
|
The mosque of
Qait Bay was built by Sultan Qait Bay in 1474A.D. It is a gem of Islamic
architecture; distinguished by its graceful minaret. The engravings of its
dome and the harmony of its part. |
|
The Blue Mosque |
|
Built by Emir
Aq Sanqar Al-Nasseri in 1347 A.D., it was named “The Blue Mosque” because
of the enormous collection of blue tiles casing its walls. It is
distinguished by its rare marble pulpit and its elegant cylindrical
minarat. |
|
The Alabaster Mosque |
|
The Alabaster
Mosque, in the Citadel, is situated on the northern heights of citadel
where it can be seen from every part of Cairo. Construction of the mosque
began in 1830 A.D. it was built in the Ottoman style and is distinguished
by its dome, which is 52 metres high, and its two minarets which rise 84
metres from the ground levels of its courtyard. From the courtyard, one
may view the capital, the Nile, and – in the far horizon - the pyramids.
It is named “The alabaster Mosque” because of the alabaster marble used to
cover its interior and exterior walls. |
|
Salah El-Din’s (Satadin’s) Citadel |
 |
Salah El-Din’s (Satadin’s) Citadel
was constructed by Salah Al-Din in 1183 A.D to dominate Cairo from
the Mokattam Hills. It comprises a number of important mounuments
among which are the Mosque of Soleiman Pasha, the Alabaster Mosque
and Joseph’s well. |
|
|
The House of Gamal Al-Din Al-Zahaby |
|
The House of
Gamal Al-Din Al-Zahaby, at Al-Ghouria, is an example of Arab houses at the
beginning of the 17th century A.D. the house still preserves most of its
details and characteristics; most prominent of which are the marble
fountain in the courtyard, the “mashrabiya” (woodenlattice-work), its
ornamented halls and its coloured glass. |
|
The House of Al-Seheimy |
|
The House of
Al-Seheimy, at Darb Al-Astar, is a model of Islamic architecture which has
preserved all its details. It has a fountain, and the upper storey hall in
the northern wing is distinctive in that its walls are covered with tiles.
|
|
Khan Al-Khalili |
|
Khan
Al-Khalili, dating back to the end of the 14th century A.D. is one of the
greatest oriental bazaars in the world. The Khan Al-Khalili shops display
a wonderful collection of brassware, rich textiles and other attractive
oriental products. |
| |
|
Christian monuments in Cairo |
Most of the
ancient churches are located in the district of “Old Cairo” above the
ruins of the fort of “Babylon”
|
|
The Church of Abu Serga |
|
The Church of
Abu Serga’s history dates back to the beginnings of the 5th century A.D.
it was built in the Besilica style above the cave in which the holy Family
took refuge and which is considered the goal of many visitors in search of
divine blessing. |
|
Al-Mo’alaqa Church |
|
Al-Mo’alaqa
Church was built in the 5th century in the Basilica style, over the
southern gate of the fort of “Babylon”. It is rich in beautiful
antiquities from the early Christian era. |
|
The
Church of the Virgin |
|
the Church of
the Virgin’s history dates back to the 8th century A.D. It contains some
valuable icons. |
|
The Church of Saint Barbara |
|
The Church of
Saint Barbara was completed in the 5th century A.D. and was rebuilt in the
10th century. Its wooden portal (constdered a rare masterpiece in fine
woodwork) is still preserved. |
|
The Church of Mar Girgis |
|
The Church of
Mar Girgis rises over the ruins of an old church. Built in the Basilica
style, it comprises a reare hall which dates back to the 13th century.
|
|
Saint Mare’s Cathedral |
|
Saint Mare’s
Cathedral is the largest church in Africa Recently built in the region of
Abbassiya it is considered an example of progress in architecture. The
remains of saint Marc the first of the apostles to spread Christianity in
Egypt have been transferred to this Cathedral. |
| |
|
The most important features of modern Cairo.
|
| |
|
The Cairo Tower at Gezira |
|
Among the most
prominent features of the city the Cairo tower rises to a height of over
180 metres two storeys are situated at the top the first of which with a
revolving floor. The visitor can enjoy the sights of Cairo from the top of
the tower with the use of panoramic equipment attached to its terraces.
Also located at the top of the tower is a restaurant and a cafeteria for
the comfort of the visitor. |
|
The sound & Light Shows at the pyramids and
Citadel. |
|
These artistic presentations rely on
sound and light to produce inspiring, romantic atmospheres which
take one back to events of ancient history. The story of the
building of the Pyramids and the glory of the Pharachs, and the
story of Salahdin’s Citadel, Arab heroism and the glories of Islam.
The shows are presented in fours
languages. Arabic, English, French and German. |
|
|
|
The Egyptian Museum in Al-Tahrir Square
|
|
This is one of
the worlds greatest museum. It allows the visitor to become acquainted
with the antiquities of Egypt’s pharaonic period. Artifacts and monuments
on display date back some 50 centuries before our time. The most famous
and exciting in this museum is the magnificent “Tut Ankh’Amun” collection.
|
|
The Coptic Museum in old Cairo. |
|
This museum
contains a collection of rare antiquities from one of the earliest
Christian communities in the world. |
|
The Museum of Islamic art at Ahmed Maher
Square. |
A magnificent
collection of Islamic curiosities representative of diverse Islamic eras,
is on display in this museum.
In addition to the sights described above, modem Cairo abounds with other
museums and monuments worth seeing you will find many fo them marked on
the map. |
|
Cairo at night |
Night-time in
Cairo is a lyrical world, bathing in a dreamy lake of lights and inspiring
shadows. Night-time in Cairo combines the magic of the East with the arts
of the west to offer the visitors a night-life brimful with every type of
enjoyment and beauty.
The most important of Cairo’s night entertainments are the “Sound & Light”
Shows at the Pyramids and the Citadel. Theatres and large cinemas
throughout the city present Egyptian and international performances. At
casinos and night-clubs located primarily on the banks of the Nile or in
the region of the Pyramids, the visitor can enjoy a delightful evening of
music, both oriental and western, singing and dancing. Folklore troupe
dancing, and western shows of all kinds. |
| |
|
Cairo: starting-point for sightseeing throughout Egypt. |
| |
|
To Alexandria |
 |
To Alexandria ask for
“Alex. Night & day” Guide 225 Kilometers from Cairo. Like a jewel
spread along the Mediterranean coast. Alexandria is Egypt’s
principal port and second city. It is a beautiful summer resort,
distinguished by its alluring beaches. The city is older than the
capital; having been founded by Alexander the Great of Macedonia in
332 B.C. |
|
|
To the Canal Towns: Port Said, Ismailia & Suez |
|
From these cities in addition to viewing
the incomparable Suez Canal, one can view the penetrating and tremendous
efforts made by the Egyptians in the rebuilding of this historical area
after liberation and victory. Ask for “P.I.S” Guide. |
|
To Helwan |
|
22 Kilometers from Cairo. This suburb is an
industrial centre well known for its Iron & steel works. |
|
To Fayoum |
|
103 Kilometers from Cairo. Here, rural
nature and far-flungfields are at their most appealing and to fascinate
you further, there are relics from antiquity: the traditional
water-wheels, the Pyramids of Lahun and Hawwara, and the remains of the
famous palace of “Al-Tih” or the labyrinth. With all this, there is also
the quiescence of lake Qarun. |
|
To Minia |
|
274 kilometers from Cairo. Located in the
middle of Egypt. Here one finds the antiquities of Beni Hassan and
Ashmunein. |
|
To Luxor |
|
676 Kilometers from Cairo. The gem of the
Egyptian winter resorts and the most important touristic centre in Upper
Egypt, Luxor boasts the most magnificent assemblage of antiquities in the
whole world. The most noteworthy are the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, and
across the Nile, on the west bank, the valley of the kings, the valley of
the Queens, the Temples of Qurna, Medinet Habu, The Ramesseum and Deir El
Bahari Temple. |
|
To Aswan |
|
The town of the high Dam and queen of
winter resorts. Aswan also attracts the visitor with the older Aswan dam,
breath-taking scenery and its own relics from antiquity. |
|
To Abu Simbel |
|
The huge temple of Abu Simbel and the
smaller temple of Nefertari were threatened by therising waters behind the
High Dam. Moved to higher sites above the level of the Nile. They continue
to be a source of wonder to thousands of tourists. |
 |
The Nile |
Seeing the River
Nile for the first time, one can understand Herodotus words, “Egypt is the
gift of the Nile”. It is the second longest river in the world. And it is
truly the life-blood to Egypt in ancient times. The Nile was worshipped
and many civilizations were established along its banks from Nubia right
up to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
In Cairo visitors can enjoy small trips by passenger steamer on the Nile.
On Sundays and Fridays there are trips to the Barrages which set out from
the quay in front of the Hilton Hotel. |
|
ÇáÛÑÏÞÉ |
|
áåæÇÉ ÇáÕíÏ æÇáÛØÓ
ãÌãæÚÉ ÞÑì ÓíÇÍíÉ ÎãÓ äÌæã æÇíÖÇ ÝäÇÏÞ |
|
ÔÑã ÇáÔíÎ |
|
ÏäíÇ ÇáÎíÇá – ÌäÉ ÇáÇÑÖ Ýì ÇáÚÇáã
ÛØÓ – ÓÈÇÍÉ – ÕíÏ- ÊÑÝåÉ |
| |
|
|
| |
