Nilometer, Cairo

Name: Nilometer
Address: Roda Island, Cairo, 11511, Egypt

#142 among attractions in Cairo

Dam, Park, Historical place

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Facts and practical information

A nilometer was a structure for measuring the Nile River's clarity and water level during the annual flood season. There were three main types of nilometers, calibrated in Egyptian cubits: a vertical column, a corridor stairway of steps leading down to the Nile, or a deep well with culvert. If the water level was low, there would be less food. If it was too high, it would be destructive. There was a specific mark that indicated how high the flood should be if the fields were to get good soil. ()

Local name: مقياس النيل بالروضة Elevation: 52 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 30°0'25"N, 31°13'31"E

Address

Roda Islandروضة جزيره (rwdt jzyrh)Cairo 11511 Egypt

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Day trips

Nilometer – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Babylon Fortress, Giza Zoo, Coptic Museum, Hanging Church.

~1430 ftE
Forts and castles, Ancient Roman architecture
Babylon Fortress, Cairo
7 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cairo, Egypt, the Babylon Fortress is a historical bastion of the past, standing as a testament to the city’s ancient heritage. This fortress, whose origins trace back to the 6th century BC, is believed to have been built by the Persians as a...
1.4 miNW
Zoo with lions, elephants and monkeys
Giza Zoo, Cairo
35 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cairo, Egypt, the Giza Zoo stands as a verdant oasis amid the bustling cityscape. Founded in 1891, this historic zoological garden sprawls over a vast 80 acres, offering a tranquil retreat for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
~1630 ftE
Museum of ancient Egyptian Christian art
Coptic Museum, Cairo
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Old Cairo, the Coptic Museum stands as a testament to Egypt's rich Christian heritage, offering a profound glimpse into the history of Coptic civilization. The museum, which houses the largest collection of Coptic Christian artifacts in the...
~1670 ftE
Coptic place of worship with icons
Hanging Church, Cairo
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Old Cairo, the Hanging Church, also known as Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, is a historical and architectural marvel that continues to draw visitors from around the globe. This iconic church, dating back to the 3rd century, is famed...
0.5 miNE
Historic mosque with a large courtyard
Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, Cairo
14 min walk • The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is a monumental piece of Islamic history nestled in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. Established in 642 AD, it holds the distinction of being the first mosque built on the African continent. Named after the Muslim commander Amr ibn al-As, this...
~1690 ftE
Church, Historical place
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, Cairo
9 min walk • Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as Abu Serga, in Coptic Cairo is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt, dating back to the 4th century.
~1820 ftE
Ornate temple with historic significance
Ben Ezra Synagogue, Cairo
9 min walk • The Ben Ezra Synagogue, sometimes referred to as the El-Geniza Synagogue or the Synagogue of the Levantines, is situated in the Fustat part of Old Cairo, Egypt. According to local folklore, it is located on the site where baby Moses was found.
0.9 miSW
29°59'51"N • 31°12'54"E
The Pharaonic Village, Cairo
24 min walk • Museum, Historical place
~270 ftW
Palace
Manasterly Palace, Cairo
2 min walk • The Manasterly Palace is an Ottoman Baroque palace and grounds in the south western corner on the southern end of Rawda Island on the Nile in Cairo, Egypt. It stands next to the nilometer that dates back to 861 CE.
~250 ftNW
Museum
Umm Kulthum Museum, Cairo
2 min walk • Om Kalthoum Museum is a biographical museum in Giza, near Cairo, Egypt. The Om Kalthoum Museum is dedicated to Umm Kulthum, or Om Kalthoum, the famous Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actress.
1.1 miN
Aqueduct
Cairo Citadel Aqueduct, Cairo
28 min walk • The Cairo Citadel Aqueduct or Mamluk Aqueduct is a medieval aqueduct system in Cairo, Egypt. It was first conceived and built during the Ayyubid period but was later reworked by several Mamluk sultans to expand the provision of water to the Citadel of Cairo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Nilometer?

Nearby attractions include Umm Kulthum Museum, Cairo (2 min walk), Manasterly Palace, Cairo (2 min walk), Saint Mary Church, Cairo (5 min walk), Babylon Fortress, Cairo (7 min walk).

How to get to Nilometer by public transport?

The nearest stations to Nilometer:

Metro

Mar Girgis • Lines: 1 (7 min walk)
Al-Malek Al-Saleh • Lines: 1 (20 min walk)

Bus

Amr Ibn Al-Aas (12 min walk)
مترو الجيزة (30 min walk)

Train

Giza Suburbs (27 min walk)