Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Open now
Architectural Buildings in Cairo
THE 10 BEST Cairo Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings in Cairo
Category types
Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Good for
21 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (9,352)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues
What travellers are saying
- SamBerkshire, UK9 contributionsGreat and interesting site.
Please be aware that it’s very difficult to get an Uber out of this place, the connectivity on the app is very bad. You will most likely need to get a local taxi which is what we had to do to get across to the bazaar, which also has bad uber connectivity.Written 20 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Daniel D17 contributionsWonderful art nouveau building right on the banks of the Nile. Enchanting art gallery that features many Egyptian and European artists who painted here in the mid-20th century. No admission, you only have to sign in. After visiting, worth a stroll upriver on Hassan Assem street, full of quaint galleries & concept stores--alternatively, a drink in the Garden of the Marriott.Written 29 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert ORotterdam, The Netherlands6,758 contributionsThe Al Ghuri complex is one of the last Mamluk style architectural achievements from just before the Ottoman conquest in 1517. The richly decorated madrasa and mosque form the Western part of the complex. On the other side of Al Muizz street is the mausoleum where Sultan Al Ghuri never was laid to rest. He died of a heart attack in 1516 near Aleppo during battle with the Ottoman Turkish army. His body was never recovered.
Walked through many times and did not realize that the complex is huge with many different attractions. Perhaps also because of the distraction by vendors of garments and clothing in the Al Muizz souk at ground level.Written 3 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Dan H2 contributionsIt's a very busy place......on entry we met the Tourism police.......I first thought it was a hustle BUT no......he took us to a room where we waited for a while......at this stage I really thought it was a scam but no.......he took us to our platform where we met other western travellers......and stayed with us until the train came.......it was all goodWritten 19 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TJim604,154 contributionsNot only a historical site but a grand palace.
According to one story, the palace was originally built in 1902 to serve as a residence for the anticipated visit of the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. When WW1 interrupted plans for his visit, it was used as a German language school.
Eventually acquired by a wealthy landowner Shahin Serag El Din, it was inherited by his eldest son, Fuad Serag El Din (Siraj el Din) who was an important member and later leader of the Wafd Party and New Wafd Party. And, thus, opposed to the 1952 Egyptian Revolution.
There is a not insignificant gap between completion and the start of WW1 which is puzzling.
Samir Rafaat has a different story.
According to his version, the Palace was built for Carl Heinrich Beyerlé of the Credit Foncier Egyptien who died in 1908, shortly after moving in not for the Kaiser. After Carl’s death an upper class girls’ school was opened, but was unsuccessful.
Subsequently, Shahin Serag El Din purchased the mansion. And Fuad inherited it.
As usual, he provides copies of documents to back up his account. Google Samir Rafaat + On Death Row + Zamalek
Sadly, the mansion is not open to the public.
But you can get a walk around for an exterior view which gives some idea of the grandeur. Even though the building is not being maintained.
For a glimpse of the interior you can google "great egypt" +"Fuad Pasha Serageddin's palace".
It’s quite exquisite even though it has been abandoned for more than 20 years.
It's also historically significant.
Many important political meetings took place in the Palace: Wafd Party Meetings, Government Meetings. Fuad held several ministerial positions. Sometimes more than one at a time.
The palace is in Garden City on Kamel El-Shennawy Street (formerly Nabatat St.)
As you walk away from downtown towards the Four Seasons Nile Hotel along the Corniche Road, take the first left at the small traffic circle in front of the main entrance to the Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City.
The palace is on the corner of Kamel El-Shennawy (the first street on the right) and Ahmad Basha (the second street on the right).
You can see it on google maps as " serag el din pasha palace"
For some reason, the location is being shown on the TA map as "Garden City, NJ". I have submitted a correction to TA.
One final note in case you want to google for more information.
There is no universal way in which Arabic is transliterated into English.
The Egyptian dialect of Arabic complicates transliteration even more.
You may see the family name as Sarageldin, Saraggedin, Sarag El Din, Sarag El Dine. First names as Chahine, Shanin, Fuad, Fouad. And no doubt many more variations.Written 6 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TJim604,154 contributionsThe palace was built in 1897 in the French rococo style for Gabriel Habib Sakakini Pasha modeled on a palace he had seen in Europe.
It stands on a midan (circle) at the intersection of 8 roads in Cairo. Now Midan Sakakini. According to some reports, previously Midan Ibn Khaldun.
Elaborately decorated (more on that below) both outside and inside.
Sadly, the palace is currently closed to visitors, though it seems to be in use for some purpose. We saw people entering and so tried to talk our way in.
The guard at the door wasn’t “able” to “hear” our pleading.
So you will have to content yourself with a view of the outside which is impressive. Or be more eloquent in pleading than we were.
Every so often there are press reports that the Egyptian Government is planning to renovate the palace and open it as a museum.
From the pictures I posted you will notice that the exterior of the Palace needs serious repairs in places. So it may be a while before it's renovated and ready to open.
If it does, rush down to see it.
In the meantime, you'll have to make do with the impressive exterior view.
Four-story rococo style building—belvederes, cupolas, spires, statues – including the four seasons.
It’s like a piece of baroque music.
I’ve posted some pictures.
You can see more including some interior shots at Lara Iskander’s article “Sakakini Palace”. Google her name and the article name.
Another source is the AUC Press “Dust: Egypt’s Forgotten Architecture” which contains Dr. Xenia Nikolskaya’s excellent photographs of this palace as well as others. Just revised this September.
There are conflicting stories about Sakakini Pasha’s name and even religion.
Samir Rafaat an Egyptian architect and historian has an excellent article on the palace and the backstory of Sakakini Pasha. Google “Samir Rafaat” plus “Sakakini Palace: How About the Palace that Turns a Hundred Years Old this Year”.
You’ll see extracts of documents in his article that back up his version of the Pasha’s life.
Samir also has many other articles on Egyptian architecture and history which are linked to at his article on Sakakini.
Here’s a quick summary.
Gabriel Habib Pasha (1841-1923) was originally of Syrian origin and a Greek Melchite (aka Melkite) Christian – Eastern Rite but in “communion” with the Roman Catholic Church.
Started out as a day laborer on the Suez Canal.
Supposedly got his big break when he solved a “rat problem” on a section of the Suez Canal by bringing in bags of extremely hungry cats. According to the story, the Khedive took note.
The Khedive then charged him with getting the Cairo Opera House finished in time for the Suez Canal opening ceremonies. Habib came up with the novel idea of using three eight hour shifts a day. Job completed in time. For this he was awarded the title of “Bey”.
Donated some land in Old Cairo (Coptic Christian area) for a Roman Catholic cemetery and financed the building of Mar Elias Melkite Church. Later the Pope awarded him the title of “count” for these and other efforts.
The Pasha is buried in that churh.
Contrary to some reports, Henry was not the builder of the Palace nor the hero of the story. But rather an adopted son.Written 1 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Tricia BLondon, UK312 contributionsThis was a very ornate and beautiful building and has a great view of the Cairo skyline. Well worth a visit. Our guide (Baseem Wagdy Zakher) was so informative and protective of us with the vendors. I went with my shoulders and head covered but the man on the door seemed more worried about my arms showing.Written 16 October 2014This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fatima soliman Archeologist GuideCairo Governorate, Egypt110 contributionsit's very easy to reach because it's located in the city between the museum and old Cairo, but needs half day to visit because it was built to be the royal house.
the palace has huge gardens and include some museums and representing the Arab culture and Islamic arts.Written 25 February 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Galina LHurghada, Egypt8 contributionsAmazing place! In the middle of Islamic Cairo. The guide inside Sabil speaks Arabic only, but he is in love with his job and gives a lot of information about Sabil-kuttab and history of Egypt in general.
There are a lot of stands with explanations inside the Sabil-kuttab in English and Arabic.
Ticket is very cheap, 20LE for foreign adults, students and Egyptians tickets are cheaper.Written 13 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Robert ORotterdam, The Netherlands6,758 contributionsThis medieval khanqah (covent) dating from 1310 is located close to Bab el-Nasr. The building was intended to house 400 Sufi students. Named after Al-Jashankir (the taster), at the time an important position at the royal court, who later became Sultan as Barbars II. Note the beautifully decorated facade and minaret.Written 2 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BobPrazToronto, Canada238 contributionsThis is actually two charming early 14th-century buildings facing each other (sort of like the al-Ghuri mosque-mausoleum complex near al-Azhar) on the street leading from the Sultan Hassan mosque to the Ibn Tulun Mosque. As a result, it's a nice location to admire on a walk between those two more impressive mosques. The mosque is on the north side of the street while the khanqah (a religious space and lodge for sufis/Muslim mystics) is on the south side.
If you're interested in Cairo's medieval (Mamluk) architecture, then they're worth a closer look. Although the two buildings look identical at first sight, they're actually different in many ways. The two minarets seem to be identical, however, and the visual effect of having them frame the street on both sides (almost like goal posts!) is clearly deliberate, and demonstrates how medieval builders were trying to dominate the skyline along certain important avenues in Cairo.
One interesting detail to notice on the outside of the khanqah is the pharaonic block above the doorway. The inside of that building, to my knowledge, is not open for visitors (or at least I've never seen it open). I don't think it's being used for anything currently.
The mosque, however, opens for prayer times only; you can usually have a look inside just after prayers finish, before the imam closes it up again. There are some lovely painted ceilings and other interesting details, including some excavations of a cistern (apparently) at the back. If you're only visiting the highlights of Islamic Cairo, though, it may not be worth going out of your way.Written 28 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January14 ÂşCColdest month1 day of rainWettest monthLess busyLeast busy month
- February16 ÂşC1 day of rainLess busy
- March18 ÂşC1 day of rainLess busy
- April22 ÂşC0 days of rainLess busy
- May26 ÂşC0 days of rainVery busy
- June28 ÂşC0 days of rainModerately busy
- July29 ÂşCHottest month0 days of rainVery busy
- August29 ÂşC0 days of rainModerately busy
- September28 ÂşC0 days of rainModerately busy
- October24 ÂşC0 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- November20 ÂşC1 day of rainVery busy
- December16 ÂşC1 day of rainModerately busy