Cairo - The Necropolises and the Moqattam Hills

Of the various tombs in the northern group is the Convent-Mosque of Sultan Barquq, a square structure measuring 240ft/73m each way with two minarets and two splendid domes (1400-05 and 1410). In the sanctuary is a fine stone pulpit of 1483.

Of particular interest are the so-called Tombs of the Caliphs (reached from Bab el-Nasr or from the Citadel), most of which date from the time of the second, or Circassian, Mameluke dynasty (1382-1517).

The Tombs of the Mamelukes, to the south of the Citadel, largely in a state of ruin. In the southern part of this necropolis is the magnificent Burial Mosque of Imam el-Shafii (founder of the Shafiite school of Islam), built in 1211, with a massive dome.