Cairo Tower

A prominent landmark in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo Tower as seen from the Nile

The Cairo Tower (Arabic: برج القاهرة , Burj al-Qāhira) is a free-standing concrete tower located in the Zamalek district on Gezira Island in the Nile River in Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks and a symbol of modern Cairo.

History

The Cairo Tower was constructed between 1956 and 1961, during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser. The tower was designed by the Egyptian architect Naoum Shebib, who is considered one of the pioneers of modern architecture in Egypt. The construction of the tower was funded by the Egyptian government, with the aim of creating a symbol of Egypt's post-revolutionary era and its aspirations for modernization and development.

Architecture

Entrance to the Cairo Tower

The design of the Cairo Tower is inspired by the lotus plant, a symbol of ancient Egyptian culture. The tower stands at 187 meters (614 feet) tall, making it the tallest structure in Egypt and North Africa until 1971, when it was surpassed by the Hillbrow Tower in Johannesburg. The tower is constructed from reinforced concrete and features a lattice design that allows for natural ventilation and light.

The tower's observation deck offers panoramic views of Cairo, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Cairo Citadel, and the Nile River. The deck is accessible via an elevator that takes visitors to the top in just a few seconds.

Features

View from below the Cairo Tower

The Cairo Tower is not only a tourist attraction but also a cultural and entertainment center. It houses a revolving restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with a 360-degree view of the city. The restaurant completes a full rotation every 70 minutes, allowing diners to enjoy the changing scenery as they eat.

The tower also includes a café and a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia. The base of the tower features a small museum that showcases the history of the tower and its significance to Cairo.

Significance

The Cairo Tower is a symbol of Egyptian pride and resilience. It was built during a time of political and social change in Egypt, and it represents the country's efforts to modernize and assert its independence. The tower is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique perspective on the city and its history.

Visiting the Tower

Cairo Tower at night

The Cairo Tower is open to visitors year-round, with extended hours during the peak tourist season. It is easily accessible from central Cairo and is a short walk from the Cairo Opera House and other cultural attractions on Gezira Island.

Visitors are advised to visit the tower during the late afternoon or early evening to enjoy the sunset over the city. The observation deck provides an excellent vantage point for photography, and the revolving restaurant offers a memorable dining experience.

Related pages

• Cairo Opera House
• Gezira Island
• Gamal Abdel Nasser
• Naoum Shebib

Cairo skyline at dusk