6 Unexpectedly Awesome Monuments from Old Cairo

From ancient Egypt until the last days of King Farouk, Egypt has accumulated a wide variety of monuments, minarets and palaces.

This diversity is especially evident in Cairo, a city that has witnessed empires and monarchs come and go for more than a thousand years. But, it is because of this wide variety and diversity that some of these beautiful sites are sometimes forgotten or overlooked, both by tourism companies and the Egyptian public.

Compiled below is a list of some amazing architecture that has been around for a while and half but is not necessarily well-known – either because they were closed for renovation and only recently reopened to the public or just generally forgotten.

Well, we say not anymore. Take a look at the list below and be sure to check out these amazing monuments to Cairo's diverse past.

While most Egyptians opt to visit Cairo’s famous Citadel, this beautiful palace situated very close to the Citadel is often overlooked. The Mamluk palace, which is also considered the main entrance to Medieval Cairo, was built by Amir Taz in 1352 after marrying Sultan An-Nasir Mohammed's daughter, Khwand Zahra.

The bad news is that the prince never actually got the chance to settle in his grand palace, as he was forced to leave Cairo due to a conspiracy. On the bright side, he left us his beautiful buildings, annexes and gardens for us to behold. Walking into this ancient palace, you immediately feel secluded from the world outside, as its ceilings and staircases are enough to hold your attention for hours.

Located on Rawda Island in Al-Manial in the heart of Cairo, this palace of gold was built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik in the early 20th century and is considered an artistic masterpiece. The palace’s architecture was influenced by European, Moroccan, Persian, Ottoman and Islamic styles.

The extremely lavish palace had been closed for restoration since 2011 and only reopened in March 2015. According to Egyptian Streets, only the mosque, the golden throne hall and the residence hall are currently open to the public.

Also located on Rawda Island in Cairo’s Al-Manial district, the Al-Minsterley Palace is an architectural masterpiece privately built in 1851 by Hassan Al-Minsterley Pasha. The palace lays next to perhaps one of the most unique but underrated historical sites in Cairo, the Nilometer.

The Nilometer, which is believed to have been built after the Arab conquest of Egypt, was used to measure the flood levels of the great Nile. In addition to its incredibly rich and complex history, it is considered a masterpiece all by itself.

Built in 1284 by Sultan El-Mansur Qalawun, the massive complex in Shari' el-Muizz comprises a mosque-madrasa, a mausoleum and a mauristan (which was later replaced by a modern hospital, part of which is still operating to this day as a modern eye clinic).

The striking architecture of the complex combines Mamluk and Gothic styles that fit together surprisingly well. The complex’s mausoleum was considered by some to be the most beautiful building in Cairo. The complex has been recently restored and reopened.

Also, recently restored and reopened is another beauty of Islamic architecture, the madrasa and khanqah built by Sultan Al-Zahir Barquq between 1384 and 1386 AD. It is also located next to the Qalawun complex in Shari’ El-Muizz.

The foundation acted as an Islamic school, mosque and retreat and is easily distinguished from afar by its soaring octagonal minaret. It is also recognizable by the inscription on the façade of the name of Jarkas al Khalili, the founder of the famous Khan al Khalili.

Also located in Shari' El-Muizz but from a different era, the beautifully decorated Al-Aqmar mosque (which means "the moonlit mosque”) was built by Ma'mun al-Bata'ihi when Cairo was under Fatimid rule.

The mosque, which underwent many restorations across the years including a recent one, is distinguished by its beautifully decorated stone façade and skillfully crafted engravings.

The beauty and complexity of these overlooked treasures deserves worthy admiration. And whether you are a native Cairene or a tourist, they deserve to be on your sightseeing agenda.