Bab Zuweila
Bab Zuweila
4.5
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4.5
43 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
12
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Brun066
Florence, Italy13,465 contributions
Oct 2019
This gate borders the south side of Fatimid Cairo, and together with its correspondent on the north side, Bab el Futuh, allows one to realize the considerable size of the city at that time (the Fatimid dynasty reigns over Cairo for two centuries, since 973 until 1170 ca, Bab Zuweila itself is dated 1092).
It should also be noted that under the further dynasties of the Ayyubids (1170-1250) and the Mamluks (1250-1517), Cairo is still growing and its bult form is further transformed. In fact, on the one hand the city reaches, on the years between the 13th and 14th centuries, to be the largest in the world outside China: its inhabitants are estimated at around 500,000, when the largest European cities, such as Paris and Milan, at that time certainly surpassed 100,000 inhabitants, but not 200,000. On the other hand, the buildings - both civil and religious - belonging to the Fatimid period, and contained in the space between the two mentioned gates, were largely replaced by the ones constructed by the successive dynasties.
However the function of the two gates, north and south, in marking the limits of the Fatimid city, remains; just as - in contrast to what happened within the walls - the appearance that the doors had in the Fatimid era remains on the whole; an appearance that, according to scholars, has little Islamic, recalling rather Byzantine architectural models.
It's possible to climb the minarets, but we didn't do it: the vision alone of such an illustrious and well-preserved witness from Cairo in the past was already sufficient satisfaction for us.
It should also be noted that under the further dynasties of the Ayyubids (1170-1250) and the Mamluks (1250-1517), Cairo is still growing and its bult form is further transformed. In fact, on the one hand the city reaches, on the years between the 13th and 14th centuries, to be the largest in the world outside China: its inhabitants are estimated at around 500,000, when the largest European cities, such as Paris and Milan, at that time certainly surpassed 100,000 inhabitants, but not 200,000. On the other hand, the buildings - both civil and religious - belonging to the Fatimid period, and contained in the space between the two mentioned gates, were largely replaced by the ones constructed by the successive dynasties.
However the function of the two gates, north and south, in marking the limits of the Fatimid city, remains; just as - in contrast to what happened within the walls - the appearance that the doors had in the Fatimid era remains on the whole; an appearance that, according to scholars, has little Islamic, recalling rather Byzantine architectural models.
It's possible to climb the minarets, but we didn't do it: the vision alone of such an illustrious and well-preserved witness from Cairo in the past was already sufficient satisfaction for us.
Written 10 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simbal09
London, UK168 contributions
Nov 2019
Bab Zuweila is one of the remaining gates to the old city of Cairo featuring two minarets (tall towers) which one can climb for a splendid view of Islamic Cairo. There are 3 levels with no elevator and, although stairs to level 1 are relatively comfortable to ascend, steep steps on a narrow, claustrophobic and unlit spiral demand a level of fitness and a head for heights at levels 2 & 3. The entrance is LE50 for non-Egyptians and no admissions occur after 4.30pm since it closes at 5pm.
Written 24 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
acbaecker
Ann Arbor, MI3 contributions
Dec 2019
My husband and I tried to visit Bab Zuweila during our visit to Cairo in early December. I just wanted to update user @jennasypr's review from October and say that Alex is still hanging around Bab Zuweila trying to scam people. He approached us as we walked toward the gates and told us the exact same line about being an English teacher and historian. He tried to follow us into the Bab, saying that he was just going to pray. We felt so weirded out by him we left and came back later. We saw him scare away another group from entering as well. When we came back later, Alex hung back but signaled to a man he's working with inside the mosque who claims to be an employee but will try to get you to pay for showing you locked rooms inside the mosque that you didn't ask to see. We heard the Bab was nice but fighting through multiple scams to visit was just too much.
Written 17 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andyrock81
Rockhampton, Australia1,098 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
For 30LE this is not only a good attraction to visit, it is also one of the best ways to enjoy 360 degree views of the city from the minarets. The internal stairs allow you to climb up to the peak. The stairs are steep and winding inside the minaret, but for the view it was well worth it.
Written 5 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad_AAA
London, UK59 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
The area is filthy and packed with people, cars and motor bikes. I felt uneasy and unsafe. I can only feel awful for the beautiful monuments and cultural artifacts that are surrounded by slums.
Written 1 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazzumbo
Romania2,190 contributions
May 2022
Out of the three Fatimid gates that remained standing nowadays, Bab Zuwayla is the most dramatic, with its crowning fifteen-century minarets. It leads the visitors to a bazaar quarter that is as full of life today as it was in the Middle Age.
In the early Mameluke period, the sultans use to sit on the platform between the two towers to watch the procession of the Mahmal, the ceremonial palanquin that accompanied the annual pilgrimage caravan to Mecca. However, this gate was also a place for public executions, and the heads of criminals were displayed above the gates on spikes. Even Tumanbay, the last Mameluke sultan of Egypt was hanged here in 1517, after the country's conquest by the Ottomans. Tumanbay’s rope broke on the first two attempts before his luck ran out. His body remained suspended from the gate for three days, and then was buried
The views from towers are spectacular, although part of the neighborhood is sadly neglected.
In the early Mameluke period, the sultans use to sit on the platform between the two towers to watch the procession of the Mahmal, the ceremonial palanquin that accompanied the annual pilgrimage caravan to Mecca. However, this gate was also a place for public executions, and the heads of criminals were displayed above the gates on spikes. Even Tumanbay, the last Mameluke sultan of Egypt was hanged here in 1517, after the country's conquest by the Ottomans. Tumanbay’s rope broke on the first two attempts before his luck ran out. His body remained suspended from the gate for three days, and then was buried
The views from towers are spectacular, although part of the neighborhood is sadly neglected.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenna
523 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
I was wandering around Bab Zuweila when a man called Alex approached me and said he’s an english teacher and a historian. He assured me he doesn’t need my money and only wants to practice his english. He told me about Bab Zuweila was the place where Mohammed Ali died. Then he suggested to accompany me to the Blue Mosque. He said the top of the minaret has the best view, better than Cairo Tower. Upon entering the site, he asked for 100EGP. I was in doubt as I know visiting mosques is free. He kept on insisting that the caretaker needs to record it and it is government price, even without a ticket or a receipt. I gave the money anyway because I did not want to argue with him, and I know he’ll be harassing me. He was already hitting on me when he accompanied me in the minaret, suggesting I should get an Egyptian boyfriend. He even asked for a selfie with me using my phone because “he doesn’t have battery”. He wanted the photo to be sent to his Whatsapp and was very aggressive in saving his number in my address book. It was a horrible experience. I had to warn other tourists going to Bab Zuweila to be cautious of this guy and his sidekick.
Written 11 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Osama Tarek
Cairo, Egypt67 contributions
Sept 2019 • Solo
Bab zuweila or "Zuweila Gate" offers you a great opportunity to see the historic Cairo from its tall minarets, the gate encountered many and many great historic events in the islamic world, you have to read its history first to have a full idea about the place, there are many photos and shots to take there, from its top you can Almouaiid Shaikh mosque; a great mosque to pay a visit
Written 18 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muj Q
8 contributions
July 2019 • Friends
A must visit when in Cairo! Bab Zuweila is one of the Gates to the old walled city of Cairo. It has 2 beautiful minarets which offer an exhilarating climb and epic views to match across cairo once at the top. There is a fee of 40EGP to enter this historic site.
Written 25 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,807 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
Berber Zuweila warriors once guarded this gate and gave it their name. It is from the same period as Bab al Futouh when the Fatimids started to replace wooden and mud structures with stone. It is robust and solid clearly serving a military purpose, but the minarets on top are part of a mosque. Two in one.
Written 7 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to go up the steps alone? Or do we need a guide/tour? Also can we go up at any time or is there opening hours? If so how can we find them and will they differ during Ramadan?
Many thanks!
Written 5 February 2020
Hi, it is certainly possible to go up to Bab Zuweila by yourself (even if I have not gone up).
If I remember correctly, the opening hours are 9 am-3pm. I don't know if they vary in Ramadan.
Written 5 February 2020
Omg I would love to do this but a bit worried about the amount of steps to climb 😳
Written 20 July 2019
Hi Pamela, it all depends on your physical condition, its doable for sure at least to the second level where you will have a great view and see the paradox of Cairo.
Above that level, the steps are more like a thin bar and you can hold to the middle vertical center bar and get a little rush of adrenaline....
Enjoy !
Written 20 July 2019
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