Babylon Fortress

The basics

The Roman emperor Trajan built Babylon Fortress atop an older structure in AD 98 but the impressive stripy stonework and decorated window arches you see today has been extensively reconstructed from a later period. Most travelers stroll past the fortress while exploring the compact area known as Coptic Cairo, with its Coptic Christian churches and Coptic Museum, as part of a Cairo, Old Cairo, or Coptic Cairo day tour.

Things to know before you go

• There’s no charge to see what remains of Babylon Fortress.
• Women may feel more comfortable dressed conservatively in Coptic Cairo, wearing loose clothing that covers legs, shoulders, cleavage, and upper arms.
• With steps, steep slopes, and cobblestones, Coptic Cairo is a challenging destination for travelers who rely on wheelchairs.

How to get there

Babylon Fortress and the rest of Coptic Cairo are in Old Cairo, roughly 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of Tahrir Square. It’s about a 2-minute walk from Mar Girgis metro station (Line 1).

When to get there

It’s best to visit Coptic Cairo during the day, when the churches and other attractions are open to visitors. Sundays and Fridays can be busy with worshippers, while Saturday is the Egyptian weekend, so plan your visit between Monday and Thursday if you can.

Egypt’s Best Roman Ruins

Egyptians continued to build monuments in the ancient style even after the Romans conquered the area. But for some fascinating remnants of Roman occupation, head to Alexandria. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a warren of underground tombs from the Roman era, in a bewildering range of styles. A well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre forms the centerpiece of the Kom Al Dikka archaeological site, and Pompey’s Pillar still towers over the city.