"City of the Sun" Heliopolis by uglyscot

Heliopolis Travel Guide: 5 reviews and 16 photos

Heliopolis is a modern suburb of Cairo, on the site of an Ancient Egyptian town.
Today it is a place with wide roads separated by a grassy area with trees and fountains, and a couple of artefacts: an obelisk near the airport, and a statue of Ramses II [though today he is swathed in green mesh, awaiting removal to a museum?].
Apartments in this area are less expensive and more modern than in central Cairo. Shops likewise are more modern and there are a number of shopping malls.

Maza Air Base

Also in this area is a football stadium, exhibition hall, museum of the 6day war, the airforce base where the funeral of Yasser Arafat was held prior to his burial in Palestine. Hotels are found here as it is close to the airport, and the interesting Indian style building with a chequered past, called the Baron's Palace.

Misr el Gadida

Monument to the Martyrs

New Egypt is sometimes considered as part of Heliopolis. Like its neighbour it has wide streets, new buildings and shopping malls: Tiba Mall and City Stars. There is also AL Azhar University and a Monument to the Martyrs. The latter is in a pyramid shape, but open at the centre. Outside stand soldiers in red uniform , and a canon which is glossy black with gold.

Pros and Cons

Pros:clean, spacious up to date, and near the airport
Cons:not much character and too far away from the centre of town

Last visit to Heliopolis: Jun 2006
Intro Updated Jul 5, 2006
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Reviews (3)

a hotel actually Restaurants (1)

We were invited to a wedding at this hotel, but as we arrived early decided to have a drink. ATurkish coffee and an can... more travel advice

Military matters Things to Do (2)

On the way to the airport, you pass a lot of military establishments. There is the Museum to the 6 day War, walls with... more travel advice

place of mystery? Things to Do (2)

The Baron's Palace. This building influenced by the architecture of a Cambodian temple was built for a Belgian... more travel advice

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Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 19, 2006

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Comments (4)

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MM212 Dec 6, 2009 at 3:08 AM

Not such a bad a photo of the Baron's Palace! Thanks for your comments on my Egypt pages. I so would love to return to upper Egypt. Cheers!
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Mirtp Aug 18, 2009 at 4:27 PM

Lived there, loved it !!
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zanzooni Sep 3, 2007 at 11:28 PM

Yeh, the Egyptians love rumor and innuendo. ~
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evaanna Jun 25, 2006 at 2:23 PM

Hope they don't move all the ancient monuments in Egypt to museums. Won't be quite the same. The Baron's Palace looks a bit weird if interesting in these surroundings. Very good page and photos.