Egyptians have been converting cemeteries into urban quarters for millennia (there was a small town built around the tomb of Queen Khentkawes at Giza over 4000 years ago, for example), and it is fascinating to watch the process continue in these mausolea dedicated to the Maluk ruling class of the 14th and 15th centuries. Some might find the relative poverty... More

If you are into history and culture, pay a visit. If you are a tourist on holiday, forget it! This is a place with sadness, as many people live in the tombs of their ancestors. The poverty can be upsetting to some to say the least. Having said that, you won't see anyone who will not smile at you but... More

Its amazing to see how all the residents have made their homes and businesses in the tombs. If you are very luck you may be invited in to one of the tombs (home to a family) as I was. I was surprised to see the house equipped with TV, DVD, CD player and all mod cons!

What a pity that such old beautiful mausolea have ended up this way! With such a long rich history, the more recent architecture is unloved. Almost anywhere else in the world they would be major tourist destinations - some are 1200 years old.

We were left behind by the train to Alexandria so nothing left to do but to hunt for a sight to see in Cairo and we took a taxi and ended up at the city of the dead. This is an impoverished area of urban Cairo were the dead and the living resides side by side. Most people who lives... More

Cairo is a very beautiful city, with lovely shopping food is lovely, and of course the Pyramids, i love the history of Egpyt, the Pyramids was amazing Wow they are so big the three of them is just breathtaking, we went on a camel which was just great, and the Egyptian people are just lovely, they will do any thing... More

Calling it Qarafa, from Arabic el Arafa, ‘the Cemetery’, is like calling the Grand Canyon a hole in the ground. At 4 miles of length, this is a true necropolis, a proper city, containing erstwhile homes and mosques as well as tombs of any size and description. This City of the Dead is an amazing place for sure. It’s fascinating... More

Cairo is filled with treasures and hidden gems but it's a pitty not much attention is given to them by the government or people the city of the dead has yet to be discovered, it's full of mosques and old schools (called madrasa) but as one reviewer said go with an organized tour i was a solo traveler and i... More

Although the City of the Dead, or "Qarafa" as it is known locally, is sadly an undiscovered Pearl in Cairo, due to the mass of people living within these necropolis Boundaries, it is strongly advisable not to enter these areas unless in a supervised tour or with a reputable and trustworthy guide, as these necropolis are very dangerous. Among these... More