Description:
- In 1087 AD the original mud brick walls of al-Qahira were rebuilt from stone, to protect the city from the menace of the Turks. This explains why Bab al-Futuh, one of the two remaining north gates, looks more like it belongs at the entrance of a castle than a city. Joining with the city walls and al-Hakim Mosque, Bab al-Futuh consists of two huge rounded castle-like turrets, bristling with ramparts and defensive arrow-slits, and decorated with a finely carved floral arch. Traditionally, the caravans returning from the annual pilgrimage to Mecca would always enter the city through Bab al-Futuh, welcomed by huge crowds of people that had been unable to make the journey themselves. Interestingly, Bab al-Futuh was actually built from masonry scavenged from ancient Egyptian Memphis, as the carvings on some stones that comprise the building testify.
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Ask a local about Bab el-Futuh
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Ask Cairo Locals about Bab el-Futuh
- Details
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Contact:
- visit website
- tel: +20 (0)2 391 3454 (Tourist Information)
Address:
- El Muizz El Din Allah Street
- Facing Al-Banhawi Galal Street
- Cairo
Neighborhood:
Islamic CairoStrenuousness:
- Easy
- User Rating
