Old Cairo

Coptic Cairo – The Hanging Church

Coptic Cairo has a concentration of Christian churches that date from the centuries between the decline of the pharaonic religion and the arrival of Islam when Egypt had a Christian majority. The name ‘Hanging Church’ comes from the fact that it was built atop the walls of the 4th century BC Roman fortress. It is believed in Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church.

Coptic Cairo – Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Cairo and was founded in the 9th century claiming to be where Moses was found in the reeds. It is supposedly where Mary drew water to wash Jesus. The synagogue’s storeroom was found to contain a treasure of forgotten sacred manuscripts known as the Geniza Collection. The Egyptian Prime Minister reopened the synagogue in 2023 following restorations.

Lunch in Cairo

We enjoy taking our guess out for lunch because it’s another way to experience Egyptian culture. We just want to make the following points. We only take our guests to the best restaurants. We place good hygiene and cleanliness within those establishments as the number 1 priority. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you choose to pass on lunch, we won’t take it personally. But please be assured, your health and safety is our overriding priority.

Islamic Cairo – The Citadel

The Citadel of Cairo is a medieval Islamic-era fortification built by Salah ad-Din. It was the seat of government for nearly 700 years from the 13th century. It commands a strategic position overlooking Cairo. It was constructed from 1176–1183 and was among the most impressive military fortifications of its time. In the 20th century it was used as a military garrison by the British occupation and then by the Egyptian Army until 1983. In 1976, it was proclaimed by UNESCO as a part of the World Heritage Site

Islamic Cairo – The Muhammad Ali Mosque

Within the Citadel is The Muhammad Ali Mosque. The mosque with its twin minarets is the most visible mosque in Cairo and is an active place of worship for Muslims. The mosque was built between 1828 and 1848 and is situated on the highest point of the Citadel. The mosque was built by Muhammed Ali in memory of Tusun Pasha, his son, who died in 1816. However, it also represents Muhammad Ali’s efforts to erase symbols of the previous rulers that he sought to replace.

Architectural Grandeur and a Tribute to a son

The mosque is, to this day, a place of worship. It’s also an architectural masterpiece. And each day it hosts visitors from all over the world who come to observe the amazing architecture and interiors of the mosque. It is a place of prayer and reflection and a peaceful refuge away from the frenetic pace of modern-day Cairo. With amazing ceilings and stained glass, the mosque has looked over the ever-changing skyline of Cairo for centuries.

Amazing Interiors and Ceilings

Muhammad Ali chose to build his state mosque entirely in the architectural style of his former overlords, the Ottomans. The mosque was built with a central dome surrounded by four small and four semi-circular domes. The use of this style were a defiant declaration of Egyptian independence. The main material is limestone likely sourced from the Great Pyramids of Giza

Muhammad Ali’s Tomb

Muhammad Ali, whom many consider the father of modern Egypt for his numerous, enduring, modern reforms to Egypt and he is buried in a tomb in the courtyard of the mosque. This is a fitting tribute to a man who contributed significantly to the country. You can visit the tomb when at the mosque and citadel. Its impressive architecture is a focal point on any excursion to the Citadel.

This half day tour can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities. The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Old Cairo (Coptic and Islamic History), the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others. Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.

• Pick up and return to your hotel
• Water
• Lunch
• All entrance fees, service charge, current taxes, and vat.
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• (Optional) Membership of the Ancient Egyptian Research Association (AERA) which supports the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and field work excavations in Egypt

Exclusions

• Personal expenditure of any kind
• Tips
• Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)