Cairo is a city of contrasts.
The capital of Egypt is home to some of the most stunning sights in the world from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings.
Here are 10 of the most stunning sights to see in Cairo:
1.
The Great Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids of Giza are the most famous sight in Cairo and for good reason.
These massive structures were built over 4500 years ago and are the only surviving Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Pyramids of Giza are also the only remaining example of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Visitors can explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu the largest of the three pyramids and the Sphinx a massive stone sculpture with the body of a lion and the head of a Pharaoh.
2.
The Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a must-see for any history lover.
This valley was the burial site of the Pharaohs and their families for over 500 years.
The Valley of the Kings is home to over 60 tombs including the tomb of Tutankhamun which was discovered in 1922.
Visitors can explore the valley and see the magnificent tombs many of which are decorated with hieroglyphics.
3.
The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history.
The museum houses over 120000 artifacts including the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities.
Visitors can see ancient Egyptian art mummies and even the tomb of Tutankhamun.
The museum also has a library with over 30000 books and manuscripts.
4.
Al-Azhar Park
Al-Azhar Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Cairo.
The park was built on the site of a medieval cemetery and is home to a number of mosques and madrasas.
Visitors can explore the park relax in the gardens and enjoy the stunning views of Cairo.
5.
The Citadel
The Citadel is a medieval fortress located on a hill in Cairo.
The fortress was built by the Ayyubid Sultan Saladin in the 12th century and was the seat of the Egyptian government for over 700 years.
The Citadel is home to a number of mosques and museums and visitors can enjoy stunning views of Cairo from the top of the fortress.
6.
The Hanging Church
The Hanging Church is a Coptic Christian church located in Cairo.
The church was built in the 4th century and is one of the oldest churches in Egypt.
The Hanging Church gets its name from the fact that it is built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress.
The church is decorated with beautiful Coptic art and has a number of unique features including a pulpit suspended from the ceiling.
7.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is the oldest mosque in Cairo.
The mosque was built in the 9th century by the son of the Tulunid Sultan.
The mosque is built in the traditional Abbasid style and is decorated with beautiful calligraphy.
Visitors can explore the mosque and its courtyard and enjoy the stunning views of Cairo from the top of the minaret.
8.
The Khan el-Khalili
The Khan el-Khalili is a medieval market located in Cairo.
The market is one of the oldest in the world and is home to a number of shops and stalls selling everything from spices to souvenirs.
Visitors can explore the market bargain with the shopkeepers and sample the delicious food.
9.
The Giza Zoo
The Giza Zoo is the oldest zoo in Egypt.
The zoo was founded in 1891 and is home to a number of exotic animals including lions giraffes and elephants.
Visitors can explore the zoo and see the animals up close.
10.
The Cairo Opera House
The Cairo Opera House is the main venue for opera and ballet in Cairo.
The Opera House was built in 1988 and is home to a number of theaters and performance spaces.
Visitors can see a performance at the Opera House or take a tour of the facilities.