House of al-Sinnary

The House of al-Sinnary is an Ottoman-era residence located in the Sayeda Zeinab district of Cairo featuring period architecture. The structure displays carved wooden screens at its windows, interior water features, and multiple levels with terraces throughout the building.

The residence was built in 1794 by Ibrahim Katkhuda al-Sinnari and later served as headquarters for French scientists during Napoleon's 1798 Egyptian campaign. The rooms were adapted under French administration to function as research spaces for studying Egyptian civilization.

The building now functions as a cultural center hosting exhibitions and performances of traditional Egyptian arts. Visitors can see how different rooms are used today for showcasing local creative work and bringing the community together.

The house is located at the end of El Mong Alley behind El Saneya School and is easily accessible on foot. The rooms are spread across multiple levels, so allow time to explore different areas and view the exhibitions throughout the building.

The four main sections were originally designed as specialized research labs for the French scientific expedition team that occupied the house. Each section focused on documenting different aspects of Egyptian culture and history, and visitors can still see traces of this scientific work today.

Location: Cairo Governorate

Inception: 1794

Elevation above the sea: 33 m

GPS coordinates: 30.03289,31.24265

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26