Old Cairo (Egypt)

Old Cairo is an eminently important place for both the history and the identity of modern-day Cairo. As its name suggests, Old Cairo demarks the foundations of some of the earliest cities, such as Fustat, that stood in the area we now term Cairo. As a consequence of all the history that has passed through the walls here, the area is a traveler’s dream, featuring such standout attractions as the Coptic Museum, the Fortress of Babylon, the Church and Monastery of St. George, and the ever-popular Hanging Church. Quite simply, this is a stunning and stunningly interesting part of the world, and anyone who’s able to visit will feel extremely privileged to do so.

 Coptic Cairo is the area of Old Cairo that most travelers want to spend most of their time exploring. The Coptic Museum is a particular draw here, given its preeminent collection of Christian Egyptian artifacts, including a collection of Coptic art that’s simply unrivaled anywhere across the globe. Another breathtaking thing to do while in Coptic Cairo is visit the Babylon Fortress, which once marked the boundary between Lower and Middle Egypt. Today such a boundary has long since gone, but the fortress’ walls stand tall nonetheless, providing a captivating reminder of times past.