CAIRO- The Capital
Marvel at the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and is a must for anyone fascinated by the magnificent Great Pyramids and the sphinx of Giza. Situated on the Nile this vibrant and fascinating city is a perfect blend of old and new.
Modern Cairo lies between the Pyramids and the Citadel where you will see a mix of minarets and skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, parks and gardens - but you can still see the sunset over the Nile which . flows through the heart of this unique city.
Cairo can be divided into 4 categories:
• Pharonic Cairo
• Coptic Cairo
• Islamic Cairo
• Shopping and night life
It is impossible to see it all in a single visit but here we describe some of its many delights
Saqqara: The most ancient burial-ground in Egypt. It is also the site of The Step Pyramid, the first proper pyramid built for King Zoser in the 27th-century BC by the architect Imhotep
Memphis: One of the oldest cities on earth, it is believed that legendary Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt throughout the Old Kingdom.
The Egyptian Museum: Located in the heart of Cairo is one of the world's most famous museums. It houses a magnificent collection of antiques including mummies and the fabulous treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb.
Church of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus: A 5th-century basilica, built over a crypt where the Holy family are believed to have stayed during their flight into Egypt.
Church of St. st.Mercurius: (Ahi, Sefein): A unique collection of Coptic art including 175 icons representing scenes from the Old and New Testaments
wall paintings, etchings and stained glass
.
Islamic Cairo:
The Citadel of Salah Al-Din: Built between 1176 and 1182 AD, the Citadel fortress provides a panoramic view of Cairo from the Moqattam Hills.
A1-Azhar mosque: The first Fatimid mosque arid the oldest Islamic University in the world, founded in 970 AD.
The Blue Mosque (Mosque of Aqsunqur): Famous for the indigo and turquoise tiles that decorate the interior.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun: Built between 876 and 879 AD in the classical courtyard style this is Cairo's oldest, intact mosque, still in use today.
The Islamic Museum: Includes works of art from all over the Islamic world, ranging from large architectural pieces rescued from mosques to ceramics, manuscripts and tapestries
.
You are sure to find almost anything and of particular note are spices, perfumes, gold and silver, carpets, brass and copperware, leatherwork, glass, ceramics and Egyptian cotton. When you need a break from city life, try a round of golf on the famous Mena House course overlooking the Pyramids or visit the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. You can take a trip on the Nile in a felucca or to really get away from it all you can go to the top of the 187 metre high Cairo Tower which has with views of the city from all sides and a revolving restaurant.
Cairo comes alive at night, the best time to shop, eat delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, or simply watch the world go by from a pavement cafe. You can dine in a floating restaurant on the Nile, sample a shisha at a coffee-shop or see oriental dancers and shows at a luxury hotel. The splendid Opera House complex houses several galleries (including the Museum of Modern Art), restaurants and concert halls and don't forget the most essential after-dark experience, the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids, a unique combination of light and music recounting the story of antiquity.
Alexandria
Alexandria better known as the mermaid of the Mediterranean, is the second largest city in Egypt after Cairo. In fact it is considered to be the second Capital of Egypt. Alexandria was built during the rule of the Greek emperor Alexander the Great who seek to immortalize his name through this city. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria on the site of the old village Rhakotis 331 BC. Later Alexandria flourished to be a prominent cultural, political and economic metropolis. It was the renowned capital of the Ptolemies with monuments many of which remain to be a witness to a great civilization. Alexandria (31.09N 29.53E ) is located at the north of Egypt. Its geographic location enabled it to be one the most important ports in Egypt with more than 50% share of Egypt's sea trade.
Today Alexandria is witnessing one of brightest days of its history with the the work being done to revive the city to be as it was once called the mermaid of the Mediterranean.
Although the number of historical sites are limited in Alexandria compared to Cairo or Luxor for example it is considered the most attractive city in Egypt for its moderate weather, long beached of white sand and blue water, beautiful buildings and friendly people
.
When you visit Alexandria don't forget to go to the following places :
Tags Words: Pharaonic egypt Cairo Misr civilization Tourism Alexandria
Modern Cairo lies between the Pyramids and the Citadel where you will see a mix of minarets and skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, parks and gardens - but you can still see the sunset over the Nile which . flows through the heart of this unique city.
Cairo can be divided into 4 categories:
• Pharonic Cairo
• Coptic Cairo
• Islamic Cairo
• Shopping and night life
It is impossible to see it all in a single visit but here we describe some of its many delights
Pharonic Cairo
The Great Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza: Even if you are not interested in ancient history it is impossible to get tired of the Pyramids. Rising from the desert the three Pyramids erected by King Cheops and guarded by the mysterious Sphinx are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the t most important tourist sites in Egypt.Saqqara: The most ancient burial-ground in Egypt. It is also the site of The Step Pyramid, the first proper pyramid built for King Zoser in the 27th-century BC by the architect Imhotep
Memphis: One of the oldest cities on earth, it is believed that legendary Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt throughout the Old Kingdom.
The Egyptian Museum: Located in the heart of Cairo is one of the world's most famous museums. It houses a magnificent collection of antiques including mummies and the fabulous treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb.
Coptic Cairo:
The Hanging Church (al-Mu'allaqua): Originating in the 4th century, the hanging Church was built over the southern gate of the fortress of Babylon. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its treasures include a 14th-century wall-painting of the Nativity.Church of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus: A 5th-century basilica, built over a crypt where the Holy family are believed to have stayed during their flight into Egypt.
Church of St. st.Mercurius: (Ahi, Sefein): A unique collection of Coptic art including 175 icons representing scenes from the Old and New Testaments
wall paintings, etchings and stained glass
.
Islamic Cairo:
The Citadel of Salah Al-Din: Built between 1176 and 1182 AD, the Citadel fortress provides a panoramic view of Cairo from the Moqattam Hills.A1-Azhar mosque: The first Fatimid mosque arid the oldest Islamic University in the world, founded in 970 AD.
The Blue Mosque (Mosque of Aqsunqur): Famous for the indigo and turquoise tiles that decorate the interior.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun: Built between 876 and 879 AD in the classical courtyard style this is Cairo's oldest, intact mosque, still in use today.
The Islamic Museum: Includes works of art from all over the Islamic world, ranging from large architectural pieces rescued from mosques to ceramics, manuscripts and tapestries
Shopping and entertainment
Cairo offers an amazing selection of shopping, leisure, culture and nightlife. Shopping ranges from the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, to modern air-conditioned shopping centres.
You are sure to find almost anything and of particular note are spices, perfumes, gold and silver, carpets, brass and copperware, leatherwork, glass, ceramics and Egyptian cotton. When you need a break from city life, try a round of golf on the famous Mena House course overlooking the Pyramids or visit the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. You can take a trip on the Nile in a felucca or to really get away from it all you can go to the top of the 187 metre high Cairo Tower which has with views of the city from all sides and a revolving restaurant.
Cairo comes alive at night, the best time to shop, eat delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, or simply watch the world go by from a pavement cafe. You can dine in a floating restaurant on the Nile, sample a shisha at a coffee-shop or see oriental dancers and shows at a luxury hotel. The splendid Opera House complex houses several galleries (including the Museum of Modern Art), restaurants and concert halls and don't forget the most essential after-dark experience, the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids, a unique combination of light and music recounting the story of antiquity.
Alexandria
Alexandria better known as the mermaid of the Mediterranean, is the second largest city in Egypt after Cairo. In fact it is considered to be the second Capital of Egypt. Alexandria was built during the rule of the Greek emperor Alexander the Great who seek to immortalize his name through this city. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria on the site of the old village Rhakotis 331 BC. Later Alexandria flourished to be a prominent cultural, political and economic metropolis. It was the renowned capital of the Ptolemies with monuments many of which remain to be a witness to a great civilization. Alexandria (31.09N 29.53E ) is located at the north of Egypt. Its geographic location enabled it to be one the most important ports in Egypt with more than 50% share of Egypt's sea trade.
Today Alexandria is witnessing one of brightest days of its history with the the work being done to revive the city to be as it was once called the mermaid of the Mediterranean.
Although the number of historical sites are limited in Alexandria compared to Cairo or Luxor for example it is considered the most attractive city in Egypt for its moderate weather, long beached of white sand and blue water, beautiful buildings and friendly people
.
When you visit Alexandria don't forget to go to the following places :
- Greco-Roman museum : which is the main museum in Alexandria, built in 1887 and has large collection of exhibits from the Greco-Roman era.
- The Roman theatre : in Kom El Dekka is one of the important sites in Alexandria which was reserved for thousands of years. Today musical and ballet shows are held in the Roman theatre to attract Egyptians to this great monument.
- The fort of Qayetbay : which was built in 1480 on the ruins of the Alexandria Lighthouse to repel raiders from the Mediterranean. The medieval-style Fort was named after the Mamelouk Sultan Qaitbay, and is considered one of Alexandria's landmarks.
- Al-Haramlek palace in Montazah : Built on a low plateau east of Alexandria and overlooking the beach amid about 370 feddans of gardens , Montazah comprises a number of buildings, the most important being Al-Haramlek and Al-Salamlek (now an upscale restaurant). Formerly the official summer residence of Egypt's King, Al-Haramlek is now a presidential palace. Its unique architecture combines Islamic, and European elements
Tips for you when you visit Alexandria :
- The best time to be in Alexandria is the summer because the weather is fine and you can enjoy the beach or walking/jogging on the corniche.
- When you walk during the day don't forget to wear a cap or a hat as a precaution of the sun although it is not hot as other places in Egypt, but be careful just as well.
- If you visit Alexandria in winter, don't forget to take an umbrella with you because it might rain. In fact there is a schedule for winter storms you should know it to enjoy your stay. Your travel agent should advise you the times it is supposed to rain to avoid being there when the weather is not good.
- If you would like to take a cab to any where in Alexandria better ask at the hotel for the taxi fare because taxi drivers tend to charge foreign passengers more than the fare suggested by the law. You can also enquire from people in the street for the fare if you intend to go to a specific place.
- When you buy souvenirs go alone to the shops don't take a local guide he will not help you get a low price as you might expect and visit more than one shop to take a look at the merchandise and to know the local prices and be sure to ask for products made in Egypt because there have been some items imported from the far east countries sold alongside Egyptian hand made souvenirs. If you go alone ask the salesman for the Egyptian products and he will give you a good price
- Prices of food are low in Egypt and every thing is available so don't take canned food or drinks from your country when you come to Egypt. If you go to any supermarket or local food store you will find what you desire of soft drinks, canned food and even junk food. a tip for you, food items prices are much lower in shops than in hotel.
- If you sit at a cafe and smoke a shisha be careful because it is much stronger than cigarette ! exhale a little amount first to know the feeling.
- Tip or Baksheesh as Egyptians call it is very common for hotel servants that carry your bags or serving food so be prepared with change of pounds with you.
- If you are lost don't be embarrassed to ask for directions. Better ask at shops because they tend to know the area they work in. Write the name of the hotel on a piece of paper and take it with you in case you don't pronounce it clearly. Better ask more than one person to be sure.
- Learn a few words in Arabic to use when you talk to Egyptians they are friendly people who like to know their language is respected by guests to their country. one the most famous words you should know is "Shoukran" which means "Thank you"
Tags Words: Pharaonic egypt Cairo Misr civilization Tourism Alexandria
