Photo: Eduard Spelterini, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Church of Saint Simeon the Tanner is located at the foot of the hills, which Pope Shenuda III has visited several times. On a cliff wall is a depiction of prayers of Saint Simeon the Tanner and Pope Abraham. Muqattam Hills also provides a spectacular view of Cairo.
The Mokattam, also known as the Mukattam Mountain or Hills, is the name of an Eastern Desert plateau as well as the district built over it in the Southern Area of Cairo, Egypt.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
This is one of several decorated Coptic Christian churches, built inside caves, that were enlarged by the Zabbaleen where the Zabbaleen (garbage people) live and work.
Garbage City
This neighborhood is home to large numbers of Coptic Christians. It is Cairo's largest enclave of Zabbaleen (garbage people) - Orthodox Christians who collect garbage throughout Cairo, sort through the garbage in their enclave, and sell the recyclables to earn their living. Being non-Muslim, they historically fed the garbage to pigs they owned, however in 2009 all pigs were killed by the government due to fear of "swine flu". Because of the Zabbaleen, Cairo has a recycling rate higher than North America despite the lack an effective state funded recycling system. This enclave is not used to strangers, thus the community may have concerns with pictures being taken. Due to the garbage processing, the presence and smell of garbage is more prevalent than elsewhere in Cairo. The walk through Garbage City is alone worth the trip, as you get to see real life Cairo for many of its residents. Being a Christian neighborhood, there is also a beautiful monastery carved into a mountain side, the largest monastery in the Middle East by seating capacity.
An exhibition of royal horse carriages, mostly from the 19th century.
el'arafa
A Islamic necropolis and cemetery made of regular houses and wall but without roofs, inside of which and between still people are living.
The official museum of the Egyptian military. Contains a separate display for each war fought by modern Egypt. Airplanes and vehicles can be seen outside the museum. The architecture and design of the building might be more impressive than the exhibits themselves.
The palace of Egyptian ruler Mohammad Ali, built in 1814. The architecture is a mixture of European and Ottoman influences. Closed for renovation as of 2026.