Roman Tower: Echoes of Ancient Babylon in Cairo

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Explore the ancient Roman Tower in Old Cairo, a historic landmark easily accessible and offering a glimpse into Egypt's Roman past.

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Roman Tower

The Roman Tower, remnants of the Babylon Fortress built by Emperor Trajan in AD 98, offers a glimpse into Cairo's Roman past. Located in Old Cairo, near the Mar Girgis metro station, these two round towers once guarded the fortress's western gate and are a testament to the city's layered history.

A brief summary to Roman Tower

264H+9XC Mar Girgis, Old Cairo, Kom Ghorab, Cairo Governorate, EG

Local tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the site in a more peaceful atmosphere.
Combine your visit with other attractions in Coptic Cairo, such as the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, and the Church of St. Sergius.
Take a moment to appreciate the contrast between the ancient Roman structure and the vibrant, modern city surrounding it.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Roman Tower is conveniently located directly outside the Mar Girgis Metro Station on Line 1 (the blue line). From anywhere in Cairo, take the metro to Mar Girgis station. Upon exiting the station, the Roman Tower will be immediately visible. A single metro fare costs approximately 5 EGP.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From most locations in Cairo, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Careem) can take you directly to the Roman Tower. Simply provide the destination as 'Roman Tower, Old Cairo' or 'Mar Girgis Metro Station'. Fares vary depending on the distance and traffic, but a short trip within Cairo typically costs between 25-50 EGP.
Walking

If you are already in the Coptic Cairo area, the Roman Tower is easily accessible on foot. It is located near other major attractions such as the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum. Follow the signs for Mar Girgis or the Coptic Museum; the Roman Tower is adjacent to the Mar Girgis metro station.

Discover more about Roman Tower

The Roman Tower, also known as the remains of the Roman Babylon tower, stands as a testament to Cairo's rich and layered history. These towers are the remnants of the Babylon Fortress, established in AD 98 by the Roman Emperor Trajan. The name 'Babylon' is believed to be derived from the Pharaonic name 'Per-hapi-en-on,' meaning the 'Estate of the Nile God at On'.Once part of the fortress's western gate, the two round towers served as integral defenses for the riverfront. The Nile's waters once lapped against their sturdy foundations. Excavations around the southern tower have revealed sections of the ancient quay, several meters below the current street level, offering a glimpse into the past. Atop the northern tower sits the Greek Orthodox Monastery and the Church of St. George, honoring a Palestinian conscript in the Roman army who resisted the suppression of Christianity.Today, the Roman Tower is easily accessible, located right outside the Mar Girgis metro station in Old Cairo. While most of the original fortress was demolished in the 19th century, these towers remain as a tangible link to the Roman era in Egypt. Visitors can explore the visible structure of one tower at street level, while the original location lies several meters below, showcasing the city's continuous development.