Cairo

Cairo is famous the world over for the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, and have drawn visitors for thousands of years. Famous for its antiquities, Cairo has much more to offer visitors. Coptic Cairo, located in Old Cairo, is filled with ancient churches. The Khan el Khalili Bazaar which has been in existence for over 500 years is one of the city's favorite places for visitors. Of course for history lovers, Cairo is truly a mecca. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is filled with the best treasures of ancient Egypt including the treasures of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun (King Tut). Cairo is a vibrant city filled with mystery, history, and excitement. It is a destination you will never forget.

Great Pyramids and Sphinx

Known the world over, the Great Pyramids and Sphinx have inspired people to come to Egypt for centuries. Known as the Giza Necropolis, the Great Pyramids of Egypt are the only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The pyramids are located in the city of Cairo. Although the three large pyramids and Sphinx are the best known, the site is home to dozens of tombs and lesser pyramids. There have been many theories as to who constructed them and their construction methods and these topics are still hotly debated to this day.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Also known as the Egyptian Museum, museum is home to the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world including the treasures found in the tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut). This comprehensive museum was founded almost two hundred years ago to house the huge amount of antiquities that have been excavated in Egypt.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Located in the Old City of Cairo, the Khan El Khalili Bazaar is one of the main sites visited by tourists and Egyptians alike. The bazaar has a very long history. It was founded in 1382 and has been in operation ever since. The bazaar is famous for its maze of alleyways selling everything imaginable. Brass, gold, and silver items can be found there as well as carpets, food, and daily necessities. It is an exciting place and few who visit leave without making at least one purchase.

Mosque of Mohammad Ali

Built in the early 19th century on the citadel of Cairo, the Mosque of Mohammad Ali can be seen from every part of Cairo. The mosque features two minarets and a large central dome surrounded by four smaller domes. The mosques interior is a huge awe inspiring space lit by 365 oil lamps, one for each day of the year. Due to its amazing architecture, the mosque is one of Cairo's main tourist attractions.

Hanging Church

Cairo's Hanging Church, officially called Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. Its nickname derived from the fact that it was built above a gatehouse of a roman fortress and its nave was suspended over a passage. The facade of the church was built during the nineteenth century and sports twin bell towers. The iconostasis of the central sanctuary is made of ivory inlaid ebony. The entire structure is surmounted by icons of the virgin Mary and the twelve apostles. The main sanctuary's design is beautiful and creates a sense of reverence.

Church of St. George

The Greek Church of St. George, one of the few round churches still in existence, derived its shape from being constructed atop a round Roman tower. According to legend, the holy family is said to have taken shelter in a crypt that the church was built on. The church has been burned many times throughout history and the current structure was built in 1909 and many of the architectural elements from the former building was used in its reconstruction. Throughout the church many images of St. George fighting a dragon can be found in many styles, shapes, and media.

Church of St. Sergius

The Church of St. Sergius, originally built during the 4th century, was built on a spot, where according to legend the holy family rested at the end of their journey into Egypt. The church is dedicated to St. Sergius and St. Bacchus, who were soldier saints killed by the Roman emperor Maximian. The most interesting feature of the church is the crypt where the holy family is said to have rested.

St. Barbara's Church

Located east of the Church of St. Sergius and nearby the Coptic Museum, the Church of St. Barbara was originally built in the fifth or sixth century A.D. The church which has been rebuilt many times, utilized elements from each previous structure making the church an interesting combination of architectural styles.