Cairo Tower: The Complete Guide

Also known as Borg Al-Qahira, Cairo Tower is a free-standing tower located in the Gezira district of the Egyptian capital. It dominates Gezira Island in the middle of the River Nile and is Cairo’s most recognizable modern monument. At a height of 614 feet (187 meters), it stands as the tallest structure in Egypt and North Africa. Until the unveiling of the Hillbrow Tower in Johannesburg in 1971, it was also the tallest building on the African continent. The tower includes a total of 90 floors and measures 46 feet (14 meters) in diameter. Today, it serves as an observation point and communication hub, attracting numerous visitors each year.

Architecture & History

Cairo Tower’s design, crafted by prominent Egyptian architect Naoum Shebib, was completed by a team of 500 workers. The unique latticed structure is inspired by the lotus plant, which symbolizes the sun, creation, and rebirth—key themes in Ancient Egyptian culture. The tower’s base and primary staircase are made of polished pink Aswan granite, reminiscent of materials employed by Ancient architects, while the tower itself is constructed with reinforced concrete. Additionally, its exterior is adorned with 8 million tiny mosaics that protect it from environmental elements.

Construction began in 1954 and was completed in 1961. However, the project faced a suspension of three years due to the Suez Crisis. Upon its completion, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser disclosed that the funds for the tower came from the United States Government. This was intended as a $6 million gift to Nasser to dissuade him from supporting the Algerian struggle against French colonialism. Offended by the circumstances, Nasser utilized the funds to construct the tower as a symbol of Arab resistance, positioned strategically across the river from the U.S. Embassy.

In 2004, the tower underwent a five-year restoration project to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

Things to Do

Visiting Cairo Tower is primarily focused on reaching the observation deck; however, the circular entrance lobby is also noteworthy. The lobby features a remarkable mosaic mural showcasing landmarks from the United Arab Republic, a political union between Egypt and Syria from 1958 to 1971. The mural includes famous sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Salah al-Din Citadel in Cairo, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, and the water mills of Hama. This artistic representation reflects Arab pride and provides insight into the political dynamics of the region during the latter half of the 20th century.

After enjoying the lobby, visitors can ride the elevator to the observation deck at the tower’s summit. This vantage point offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Greater Cairo. On a clear day, one can see from the Muqattam Hills in the east to the pyramids and the beginnings of the Sahara Desert in the west. Below lies the River Nile, which has been flowing around both banks of Gezira Island and through the city since its foundation by the Fatimid dynasty in 969 AD. Telescopes are available for those who wish to take a closer look at Cairo’s notable landmarks.

Dining Options

Located directly beneath the observation deck, the Sky Window café provides light refreshments at reasonable prices, making it a lovely spot to appreciate the view during the day. For a more upscale dining experience, consider dining at the 360 Revolving Restaurant. This restaurant takes approximately 70 minutes to complete one full revolution, and was once a favored dining venue for President Nasser, as well as numerous notable politicians and celebrities of the 20th century. Notably, Katherine Hepburn was the first Hollywood star to visit. Today, the restaurant offers a selection of European and Egyptian cuisine. While there are excellent dining options nearby in Zamalek, the views from this restaurant are unparalleled.

Practical Information

Cairo Tower is open daily from 8:00 AM until midnight, extending until 1:00 AM during the summer months. Ticket prices are set at 60 EGP per person, and children under 6 years go free. The optimal times to visit are late morning after the haze dissipates or in the evening when visitors can enjoy the spectacle of the city adorned with a million twinkling lights.