Rawda Island Nilometer: Measuring the Nile's Legacy
Explore the Rawda Island Nilometer: An ancient marvel that measured the Nile's floods and shaped Egyptian history.
The Rawda Island Nilometer, built in 861 AD, is one of the oldest structures in Egypt and a testament to ancient engineering. Used for centuries to measure the Nile River's water levels, it played a crucial role in predicting floods, managing irrigation, and determining agricultural taxes. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into Egypt's past and the ingenuity of its people.
A brief summary to Rawda Island Nilometer
- 264G+Q2J, Al-Miqyas Street, Southern Tip of Al-Roda Island, Cairo Governorate شارع المقياس, الطرف الجنوبي, Old Cairo, لجزيرة الروضة, Cairo Governorate, EG
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
- Check if the staircase to the bottom of the well is open, as access may be restricted.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Manial Palace Museum or the Umm Kulthum Museum.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From central Cairo, the most convenient way to reach the Rawda Island Nilometer is by using the Cairo Metro. Take Line 1 to the Mar Girgis station. From there, it's approximately a 20-minute walk (1.5 km) to the Nilometer, located on the southern tip of Rawda Island. Alternatively, you can take a short taxi ride from the Mar Girgis station to the Nilometer. A single metro fare costs around 5 EGP. A taxi from Mar Girgis to the Nilometer should cost approximately 20-30 EGP.
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available throughout Cairo. Simply enter 'Rawda Island Nilometer' or the address 'Al-Miqyas Street, Southern Tip of Al-Roda Island' as your destination. A taxi ride from downtown Cairo to the Nilometer typically costs between 50-100 EGP, depending on traffic conditions. Be sure to agree on the fare with the driver beforehand or check the estimated fare on your ride-sharing app.
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Walking
If you are already on Rawda Island or in the Old Cairo area, walking to the Nilometer is a viable option. From the northern part of Rawda Island, walk south along Al-Miqyas Street towards the southern tip of the island. The walk offers scenic views of the Nile and the surrounding area. Note that the walk from the northern end of the island is approximately 3 km and will take around 30-40 minutes.
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