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Gabal Shayeb Al Banat - Red Sea Mountain

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Mummification Museum

The Mummification Museum is a unique and captivating destination that offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the ancient Egyptian art of mummification. It houses a vast collection of well-preserved mummies, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
Sphinx in White Desert - White Chalk Formations

The Sphinx in White Desert is a stunning natural rock formation located in the White Desert of Egypt. Resembling the mythical creature from ancient Egyptian lore, this mesmerizing structure stands tall amidst the surreal landscape.
The English House in Egypt - An Oasis Relic of War and Revolution

The English House in Egypt is a historical landmark that stands as a captivating relic of the region's tumultuous past, reflecting the impact of war and revolution on the oasis. Nestled amidst the Egyptian desert, this architectural gem holds a significant place in history.
Best National Parks In Egypt To Witness The Wild Side Of The Country!

It is common knowledge that Egypt has a warm climate and desert landscapes, but less is known about the national parks and natural reserves, which make up over 12% of the country's total geographical area. Egypt has over 30 national parks, each home to a variety of plants and animals, some of which are indigenous to Egypt and are only found there. The National Parks are popular destinations for the people of Cairo, the capital city, who come for a breath of fresh air away from the bustle of city life. The country's national parks and wildlife reserves, which draw visitors from all over the world, are one of Egypt's top tourism destinations.
Relax And Unwind At The Lakeside In The Land Of Pyramids

People who prefer peace and tranquilly would undoubtedly enjoy spending time by themselves amid Egypt's natural beauty close to the lakes. Nature does provide one with a lot of privacy because of the tranquil waterways and the chirping birds. In fact, it's a wonderful location for self-reflection and rejuvenation while taking in the natural splendour.

05 16, 2023

Coptic Cairo | Egypt Coptic Churches

The Roman fortress of Babylon or Qsar el Shamee is one of the exciting Roman monuments and things to do in Cairo, it was built around the year 30 BC, with the arrival of the emperor Augustus in Egypt, on the eastern bank of the Nile River. It was built on the outskirts of the Egyptian city (Heliopolis). According to some sources, the place chosen for the fort traces its origins to the reign of Pharaoh Sesostris, others also indicate that its foundation goes back to the reign of Nebuchadnezzar who was the greatest King of ancient Babylon during the period of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626-539 BCE). However, the evolution of the fortress is strongly linked to the emperors Trajan and Diocletian. In 112 A.D. orders claimed for the construction of a powerful fortified port at the entrance of the Red Sea channel in Babylon.

The reopening of the canal was due to the strategic and commercial interests of Rome in the East, after the annexation of the Nabatean Empire in 106 A.D. Around A.D 300, Emperor Diocletian built an imposing fortress in Babylon, as part of the reorganization and administrative reform project in Egypt. The entrance of the canal remained in the same place, although now flanked by two imposing circular towers, which currently limit the entrance to the Coptic Museum. At the end of the fourth century A.D., and exactly under Emperor Arcadius the Babylonian fortress was again enlarged and reinforced as the basis of the Legio XIII Gemina.

In the 19th century, most of the structure of the Roman fortress of Babylon was demolished. The two circular towers of the river port and part of the walls of the Roman fortress are preserved and restored. One of the two towers that flanked the port and the entrance to the Red Sea channel is integrated into the Church of Saint George. The structure of the other circular bastion can be observed at street level, the original location being visible several meters below the current ground level.

Other ruins of the walled area of the fortress are preserved in the Hanging Church. The Coptic Church of the Holy Virgin Mary was built on the Roman structures of the huge fortress. This church dates back to the fourth century AD, possibly being the oldest Coptic church in the Coptic world.

Inside the walls of the ancient Roman fortress, several churches of Coptic Christianity are preserved. They emphasize, in addition to the mentioned Al-Muallaqah church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary; the Church of St. Sergius, built, according to tradition, in the place where the Holy Family was after its arrival in Egypt fleeing the persecution of King Herod. Other places of interest are the Coptic Museum, the tomb of Ibrahim al-Gohari, the Church of St. Barbara, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Ben Ezra Synagogue | Coptic Cairo

Ben Ezra Synagogue

Egypt is still a great tourist destination because its history has been at the origin of what the world is today.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

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The Roman fortress of Babylon is located in the modern-day city of Cairo, Egypt. It is situated in the district of Old Cairo, known locally as Coptic Cairo, which is located on the eastern bank of the Nile River. The fortress was built during the Roman period in the 1st century AD to protect the important trading route known as the Via Traiana Nova, which connected the Nile River to the Red Sea. The area around the fortress is also home to several significant Coptic Christian sites and ancient churches, making it an important historical and archaeological area in Cairo.