Old Cairo’s Ain el-Sira: From a slum area into tourist destination

CAIRO – 7 April 2021: Among the breathtaking scenes of the historic parade of Egyptian royal mummies that took place Saturday, are the scenes of Ain el-Sira lake with the Pharaonic boats floating in an dazzling piece of art.  

In Old Cairo neighborhood, the Ain el-Sira historic area that once had been a slum area, was turned into an attractive hub with various services, thanks to a comprehensive developmental project that took place there. 

Visitors are expected to head to the area after the first phase of the developmental works was accomplished, and its inauguration is set to be in the coming days. 

In Fustat area in old Cairo, Ain el-Sira area hosts four restaurants on 1.5 feddan, an external fence along 2400 meters, parking area accommodates 425 cars, three gates and entrances, and four public bathrooms.

Beside the project, a bridge was built to link the area to a number of main roads.

The Ain el-Sira project stays on a distance of 63 feddan. It includes a restaurants area, an open-air theatre, green areas, wooden pergolas, fountains and purification plant of lake water.

About Ain el-Sira

Ain el-Sira Lake is a subterranean spring located south of Cairo. Ain el-Sira are is also known for hosting several sulfur springs.

Ain el-Sira area houses Amr Ibn Al As Mosque, the oldest in Egypt and Africa, in addition to a number of ancient churches like the Hanging Church, Mar Gerges, Abou Seifein, and the Virgin. The neighborhood is also home to a Jewish temple, the Wells Wall (Sour Magra El Oyoun), and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which hosted the 22 royal mummies.
 

Ain Al Sira used to house leather tanneries, which are currently being relocated to Robeiky Textile Complex.