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.
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