One Day in Old Cairo
There were several old capitals in the area that today is known as Cairo, which laid the foundation for the city to come. After Cairo was established in the tenth century A. D., additional influences from all parts of the world (as it was known at that time) helped shape the city you see today. The city has many areas that reflect this history and influence. Perhaps one of the most interesting sections is Medieval Cairo. Start driving from Alexandria port towards Cairo about 3 hours driving through the flat desert landscape to Africa's largest city, Cairo. Upon arrival . Your first stop will be at the Citadel of Saladin, where panoramic views of the city of Cairo can be seen. Here you will also visit the spectacular Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, the founder of modern Egypt. You will then drive into the city center and visit the Sultan Hassan mosque. It is one of the masterpieces of Mamluk architecture. The facade is almost 250 feet long and more than 115 feet high. After the visit, you will proceed to Old Cairo. This area of town is made up of the remnants of those cities which were capitals before Cairo, as well as some other elements from the city's varied history. You will tour the Coptic Cairo section which includes the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George and many other historical sites. It is believed that the Holy Family visited this area and the section was a stronghold for Christianity until the Islamic era. You will also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue. According to local tradition, the Nile once flowed over the land the synagogue sits on, and there, in the reeds, baby Moses was found
