When one thinks of Cairo, pyramids, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics may be the first images that come to mind. But there is another Cairo worth exploring...the great architectural legacy of the of the Islamic empires that controlled Cairo through history. Cairo offers a unique experience in the Middle East: it is the only place where you can see architectural remains of nearly every great Islamic Empire.
One of the most striking characteristics of a Christian icon is the depicted sacred figure's steady outward gaze, which engages the faithful in a ritualistic exchange. Use this guidebook to explore St. Catherine's Monastery, the home of the greatest collection of Christian icons, including many dating from the 6th century – these are oldest icons in the world.