Cairo Tower

Discover Cairo Tower, Egypt's iconic 187-meter structure offering unparalleled panoramic views of Cairo. Explore its historical significance, controversial design, and visitor experiences, including a rotating restaurant, telescopic sights, and affordable access to one of the city's most breathtaking viewpoints.

Written by ETP TEAM

Published May 02, 2021 Updated Dec 05, 2023 8 min read

Summary

Cairo Tower, standing at 187 meters, dominates Cairo's skyline, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Its design, reminiscent of a Pharaonic lotus plant, was completed in 1961 and has been a significant landmark for over 50 years.
Funded initially by the U.S., the tower symbolized Egypt's independence and resistance against external influence. President Nasser redirected the funds towards its construction as a testament to national pride.
Designed by Naoum Shebib, the tower's lattice-work and observatory deck provide a stunning 360-degree view of Cairo. Its controversial design initially faced demolition proposals but stands today as a beloved landmark.
Accessible via a 45-second elevator ride, the tower offers telescopic views of the Nile, Pyramids, Sphinx, and Citadel. The rotating restaurant on the 14th floor allows guests to savor meals while enjoying ever-changing vistas of Cairo.
Open daily from 8 AM to midnight, Cairo Tower remains a top tourist attraction. With affordable entry fees, visitors can experience the city's charm from its highest point, making it a must-visit spot in Cairo.

Cairo Tower is a beacon of grandeur that rises as a relic from the Pharaonic age to break the skies of Cairo and provide a celestial view of the alluring capital city of Cairo. Cairo Tower is an amazing attraction in the capital of Egypt, and it is around 187 meters. It offers the most magnificent panoramic views over the incredible Egyptian capital. It is known to the locals as "Nasser’s Pineapple", and it has been recognized as being the tallest construction in North Africa and in Egypt for more than 50 years until it was exceeded by Hillbrow Tower in South Africa.

The Egyptian Architect, Naom Chebib was the one who designed the tower, and its completion took around 5 years, from 1956 to 1961 inspired by the impressive Ancient Egyptian Architecture, it was constructed to look like a Pharaonic Lotus Plant that was an ancient Egyptian iconic symbol. It is located in the central part of El-Gezira Island in the Zamalek district in the middle of the Nile River in Cairo city.

Cairo Tower History

Cairo Tower's construction began in 1956 and was completed and inaugurated in 1961, at an estimated cost of approximately $1-3 million with the help of five hundred Egyptian workers. The Cairo Tower was designed by a talented Egyptian architect named Naoum Shebib, who was inspired by the architecture of Ancient Egypt, which resembles a pharaonic lotus plant. It features a great circular observation deck, an epic partially open lattice-work design, and a magical revolving restaurant providing panoramic views of greater Cairo. The Egyptian General Intelligence Service oversaw all aspects of the tower's design and construction, emphasizing its importance to the president's legacy.

The tower's design was initially controversial, with Egyptians calling it the "Waqf Roosevelt" which means Roosevelt's endowment, leading to misunderstandings, including the Americans referring to it as "Nasser's Prick". This controversy led to calls for its demolition in the 1990s, but it remained due to its historical significance and popularity among the public and tourists. Between the years of 2006 and 2009, it is known that the tower conducted a restoration project of £E15 million, which included the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting for decorative purposes, and now it has the power to host around 700 visitors at the same time.

For a span of 37 years until 1998, the Cairo Tower held the title of the tallest structure in Egypt, relinquishing its position to the Suez Canal overhead powerline crossing. Similarly, it reigned as North Africa's tallest structure for 21 years until 1982, when the Nador transmitter in Morocco surpassed its height. Additionally, the Cairo Tower claimed the title of Africa's tallest structure for one year until 1962, when it was superseded by the Sentech Tower in South Africa.

Purpose Of Building Cairo Tower

The Cairo Tower was funded by the United States government through the CIA, represented by Kermit Roosevelt. The US offered around 1-3 million $US to President Gamal Abdel Nasser, which acted as a personal gift that aimed to dissuade his continuous approval and advocacy for African independence movements and the Algerian Revolution against the French occupation.

President Nasser rejected the bribe and publicly redirected the funds to the Egyptian government, intending to build the tower which was visible from the US Embassy as a symbol of Egypt's resistance and pride.

Cairo Tower Architecture

The Cairo Tower is found on Gezira Island within the Nile River, which is close to downtown Cairo. It has become one of the city's modern landmarks and is often considered Egypt's second most renowned and tallest landmark, following the great Pyramids of Giza. It is owned by the Government of Egypt and boasts impressive architectural features, with a total height of 187 meters (613.5 feet), including its antenna spire. The tower's roof is 160 meters (524.9 feet), while the top floor and observatory are 143 meters (469.2 feet). The tower is constructed primarily of concrete and has 16 floors, with three elevators facilitating access to its various levels.

It was designed by architect Naoum Shebib and possessed a distinctive appearance that resembled a stylized lotus plant with its intricate latticework casing. The tower's construction was a symbolic gesture, as it was financed using funds provided by the United States to President Nasser for purchasing American arms. The tower's observation deck provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Cairo, particularly during late morning when the haze dissipates or late afternoon when the Pyramids are often visible on the horizon. This towering structure, with its historical significance and remarkable views, has solidified its status as one of Cairo's most famous landmarks, second only to the Pyramids themselves.

What To Do Inside Cairo Tower

Everyone can climb to the top of the tower for about 45 seconds through the elevator. The Tower has a powerful telescope where everyone will get to cast their eyes on the enchanting sights of the Nile River, the colossal Giza pyramids, the beautiful blue skies of Egypt, the epic sphinx, and the Saladin Citadel.

Across the climax of the Cairo tower is the chance to cast your eyes on all the reasons that make Egypt the most incredible and attractive travel destination on the face of the earth. From within are a number of amazing restaurants and cafes where everyone can enjoy delicious meals and drinks plus even buy souvenirs from this magical floating castle.

Cairo Tower Opening Time & Ticket Prices

Cairo Tower is considered the second greatest tourist landmark in Egypt after the impressive Giza Pyramids. There is a wonderful restaurant at the top part of the tower which revolves around the main axis of the tower. Tourists can enjoy visiting Cairo Tower every day from 08:00 till midnight, and the cost of the entry ticket is so cheap for locals and foreigners, and that is how all can enjoy the imaginary beauty of Cairo City from its highest point.

It has been mentioned in the documents that were published by Adel Shaheen that the funds for the construction of the Cairo Tower originated from the US government, which provided about 1-3 million dollars to the Egyptian president Gamal Abd El-Nasser as a gift. Gamal Abd El-Nasser decided to transfer all of the US funds to be used in the construction of Cairo Tower.

Around 15 million EGP were used for the restoration of the tower between 2006 & 2009, including a new installation for complete light decoration. A visit to Cairo Tower is one of the most preferable tours that can be arranged in Egypt while being in Cairo city, especially at night to enjoy the beautiful sunset from the highest point of the city so make sure that you plan a visit to such a glorious destination in Egypt and enjoy a real magical experience.

Cairo Tower Restaurant

The majestic Cairo Tower Restaurant is located on the 14th floor which was found at the height of 160 m, where everyone can enjoy the most delicious meals and drinks. One of the finest unique features of the restaurant is its circular shape, which is known to revolve around a fulcrum to witness the heavenly treasures of Cairo like the Qaser El Nile Bridge, the Abdeen Palace, and the Al-Azhar Mosque.

Everyone will get the chance to take the most marvelous souvenirs and incredible photos of friends and family. The Sky Window café is an honorable and fun place where everyone can enjoy exorbitant Egyptian foods and drinks accompanied by the most magical scenery of all the natural and architectural marvels of Egypt.

Cairo Tower Facts

Cairo Tower stands at a height of approximately 187 meters (614 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Egypt. It was the tallest structure in Egypt until the completion of the Great Pyramids.
The tower was constructed between 1956 and 1961 by the Egyptian government. It was designed by the Egyptian architect Naoum Shebib and the Austrian architect Josef H. Kaden. The tower was built to serve as a telecommunications tower.
The design of the Cairo Tower is often described as a lotus plant, which is a symbol of ancient Egypt. The tower is characterized by its lotus-shaped upper section and a cylindrical shaft. It is often illuminated at night, creating a striking visual spectacle on the Cairo skyline.
One of the main attractions of Cairo Tower is its observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can enjoy stunning vistas of Cairo, the Nile River, and various landmarks. On a clear day, you may be able to see the pyramids in the distance.
The tower also features a rotating restaurant and a café, providing visitors with the opportunity to dine while enjoying the changing views of the city.

Discovering Cairo: Tower and Treasures Day Tours

Unveil the wonders of Cairo through our exclusive Cairo day tours that include a captivating visit to Cairo Tower. Witness the city's grandeur from its tallest viewpoint, capturing breathtaking sights that paint the vibrant tapestry of Egypt's history and modernity. Explore iconic landmarks, indulge in cultural richness, and embrace the allure of Cairo, all in one immersive journey through the Land of Pharaohs.

Tags: Cairo Monuments

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Bluff Park, Alabama

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Hook, United Kingdom

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"Our experience in Egypt, especially in Luxor and Aswan, was truly unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible guide Omar. We cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and deeply passionate about Egyptian history and culture. What made our tour extraordinary was that our guide is not only a master’s in Egyptology but is also currently pursuing a PhD in Egyptology. His depth of knowledge was absolutely remarkable. He is also very creative and artistic. Every temple, tomb, monument, and historical site came alive through his explanations. He did not simply recite facts, he explained the historical context, symbolism, religious beliefs, architecture, and fascinating stories behind everything we saw. It truly felt like we were traveling through ancient Egypt with a real scholar and expert by our side. He brought ancient Egyptian history to life by assigning us the roles of Egyptian gods and legendary heroes. Through these interactive mini-plays, we were able to experience, understand, and truly connect with the stories he shared. In Luxor, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple became an unforgettable educational and emotional experience because of the way he explained the history in such an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. In Aswan, his insights about Philae Temple, Nubian history, and ancient Egyptian civilization added so much depth to our trip. He answered every question thoughtfully and with incredible detail, and you could genuinely feel his passion for Egyptology. Beyond his academic expertise, he was one of the kindest and most caring people we met during our travels. He constantly made sure we were comfortable, safe, hydrated, and enjoying ourselves. He was patient, attentive, organized, and always willing to help with anything we needed. His warm personality and kindness made us feel welcomed not just as tourists, but as friends. He also paced the tours perfectly, allowing us enough time to truly appreciate each site without ever feeling rushed. His professionalism, friendliness, and genuine care created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip. Thanks to him, our visit to Egypt became far more than a vacation. It became an unforgettable journey into history and culture. If you are planning to visit Luxor, Aswan, or anywhere in Egypt, choosing this guide will be one of the best decisions you can make. He is truly exceptional, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had him as our guide. Thank you again for such an amazing experience. We will never forget it. Marianna and Khris"

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Joe P

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Damien B

"We had Ahmed Refaat as our family guide in Cairo, and he truly made our trip to Egypt unforgettable. His positive attitude, passion for Egypt’s history and culture, and incredible patience made all the difference throughout our stay in Cairo. Ahmed brought every site to life with fascinating explanations and was always attentive to our needs, making the experience enjoyable for both adults and children. We especially recommend him for visits to Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where his deep knowledge and enthusiasm greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary places. Without any hesitation, we highly recommend Ahmed Refaat to anyone visiting Egypt. Thank you again for helping create such wonderful memories for our family!"

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