Cairo Tower, Television tower in Zamalek, Egypt.
Cairo Tower rises 187 meters above Gezira Island in Zamalek and features a concrete structure shaped to echo a lotus flower. The observation deck sits at 143 meters and provides views across the city, the Nile, and on clear days to the pyramids.
Construction took place between 1956 and 1961 under architect Naoum Shebib. Funding came from money originally intended as a diplomatic gift from the United States.
The rotating restaurant at the summit allows diners to complete a full circle over Cairo during their meal. This combination of dining and panorama makes the location a popular choice for special occasions and social gatherings.
A central elevator carries visitors directly to the observation platform. The best viewing conditions usually occur in early morning or late afternoon when the sun sits at a better angle.
The tower held the record as Egypt's tallest structure for 37 years until 1998, when the Suez Canal overhead powerline crossing surpassed its height. This long period without competition shows how exceptional the structure was at the time of its completion.
Location: Zamalek
Location: Giza Governorate
Inception: 1961
Architects: Naoum Shebib
Official opening: 1961
Floors above the ground: 16
Elevators: 1
Height: 187 m
Made from material: concrete
Website: http://cairotower.net
GPS coordinates: 30.04583,31.22444
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:43
Cairo preserves an architectural heritage spanning over fifteen centuries. This collection includes religious buildings, traditional houses, and utilitarian structures that reflect the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Mosques such as Sultan Hassan with its 68-meter minaret stand alongside ancient homes with mashrabiya windows, while the 9th-century Nilometer highlights the river's importance in Egyptian society. The route passes through various historic districts, from El Khalifa with its medieval monuments to Ottoman houses from the 16th and 17th centuries like Bayt Al-Suhaymi or those housing the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Aqsunqur Mosque stands out with its Iznik tiles showcasing floral motifs, a legacy of Ottoman influence. The City of the Dead, a cemetery stretching four kilometers, illustrates the continuity between burial sites and inhabited areas. Green spaces like Al-Azhar Park offer views of a dense city where traditions blend with everyday life.
Cairo is home to millennia of history. The Giza Pyramids, built between 2686 and 2494 BC, stand alongside Fatimid mosques like the Ibn Tulun Mosque from 879, and Mamluk fortifications such as Saladin's Citadel from the 12th century. Religious heritage reflects community diversity: Saint Serge Church dates to the 4th century, while Sainte-Marie Church from the 7th century reuses elements of the Roman fortress of Babylon. The Cairo Museum, opened in 1902, displays over 120,000 archaeological artifacts including Tutankhamun’s burial mask. Khan Al-Khalili market, established in 1382, continues traditional trade along its alleys lined with spice and craft shops. The Gayer Anderson House exemplifies 16th-century Ottoman residential architecture. These sites span Egypt’s history from pharaonic antiquity to the Ottoman period.
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