EgyptGrand Cairo

About:

Historical Significance: Cairo has a long and storied history that dates back to ancient times. It served as the capital of various Egyptian civilizations, including the Pharaohs of the Old Kingdom and the Fatimid Caliphs during the medieval period.

Landmarks and Monuments: The city is famous for its iconic landmarks, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Sphinx, which are located on the outskirts of Cairo. Other notable attractions include the Egyptian Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient artefacts, and the Salah al-Din Citadel, a medieval Islamic fortress.

Islamic Architecture: Cairo is renowned for its magnificent Islamic architecture. The city is home to numerous mosques, including the Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic universities in the world, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, located within the Citadel.

Bustling City Life: As Egypt’s capital, Cairo is a bustling metropolis with a population exceeding 20 million people. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is characterized by its busy streets, markets, and diverse neighbourhoods.

Cultural Hub: Cairo is a cultural hub of the Arab world, offering a wide range of cultural experiences. It has a thriving arts and music scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and music venues. The city also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating Egyptian and Arab heritage.

Traffic and Transportation: Cairo is known for its heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. The city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro lines, and taxis. Traditional modes of transportation, such as horse-drawn carriages, known as “Caleches”, can also be found in some areas.

Cuisine: Egyptian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, and Cairo offers a wide range of culinary delights. Traditional dishes such as “Koshari” (a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and tomato sauce), ful medames (fava beans), and falafel are popular street food options.

Education and Research: Cairo is home to several prestigious universities and research institutions, including Cairo University, Ain Shams University, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. These institutions contribute to the city’s intellectual and academic life.

Climate

In Cairo, and along the Nile River Valley, the climate is a hot desert climate. Wind storms can be frequent, bringing Saharan dust into the city, from March to May and the air often becomes uncomfortably dry. High temperatures in winter range from 14 to 22 °C (57 to 72 °F), while night-time lows drop to below 11 °C (52 °F), often to 5 °C (41 °F). In summer, the highs rarely surpass 40 °C (104 °F), and lows drop to about 20 °C (68 °F).
Rainfall is sparse and only happens in the colder months, but sudden showers can cause severe flooding. The summer months have high humidity due to its coastal location. Snowfall is extremely rare; a small amount of graupel, widely believed to be snow, fell on Cairo’s easternmost suburbs on 13 December 2013.