Bayt al-Razzaz, Cairo - Modern buildings stand tall under a blue sky.
1 / 10

Bayt al-Razzaz Cairo

4.6
·118 reviews·, Egypt

A stunning 15th-century Mamluk house in Old Cairo, showcasing intricate architecture and vibrant painted decorations, currently undergoing preservatio...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

To see architectural details

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Bayt al-Razzaz, Cairo - Modern buildings stand tall under a blue sky.

Bayt al-Razzaz Cairo

Best Time

Daylight hours

To see architectural details

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning 15th-century Mamluk house in Old Cairo, showcasing intricate architecture and vibrant painted decorations, currently undergoing preservation.

4.6
(118 reviews)

"One of the most beautiful houses from the Mamluk era, rich in architectural and painted details."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Access Before You Go

Parts of the house are under restoration, so confirm current visiting hours and accessibility. :informationdeskperson:

Appreciate the Details

Take your time to admire the exquisite Mamluk architecture and vibrant painted decorations. :art:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mamluk Architecture

Mamluk Architecture

Marvel at the intricate details of this 15th-century house, a testament to Mamluk craftsmanship.

Painted Decorations

Painted Decorations

Discover stunning 16th, 17th, and 18th-century painted art adorning the walls and ceilings.

Restoration in Progress

Restoration in Progress

Witness the careful restoration efforts preserving this historical gem for future generations.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Bayt al-Razzaz is undergoing restoration, so check current access. Visiting during daylight hours is essential to appreciate the intricate Mamluk architecture and painted decorations. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography.

Understanding the Restoration

While parts of Bayt al-Razzaz are beautifully restored, others are still in a state of repair. This means some areas might be inaccessible. The ongoing work highlights the dedication to preserving this significant piece of Mamluk history.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
To see architectural details
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Soft light for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The most beautiful area✨ 💡Downtown Cairo was called Hayy al- Isma’iliyya in honour of the ruler who initiated its establishment as the modern centre of Egypt’s capital. 👉Comment your favorite place in #Cairo 🎥 @islam_tarek___ 📍Downtown Cairo #cairoscene #cairoegypt #thisiscairo #myegypt #egypttravel #downtowncairo
@cairotravel
570 likes • 10.8K views

Check Access Before You Go

Parts of the house are under restoration, so confirm current visiting hours and accessibility. :informationdeskperson:

Appreciate the Details

Take your time to admire the exquisite Mamluk architecture and vibrant painted decorations. :art:

Amazing visit of Bayt al-Razzaz with the great @omabarr ! A 15th century house built by Sultan Qaytbay for his family, it was later owned in the 17th century by a family who made money from rice, hence the name al-Razzaz. The house is in fact two houses joined together and currently in various state of repair/disrepair. The architectural and painted decoration is splendid with 16th, 17th and 18th ...
r.t.pin
441 likes • 0 views

Explore the Old District

Bayt al-Razzaz is in a historic area; explore nearby Mamluk architecture for a fuller experience. :world_map:

Engage with Staff

The staff are often helpful and informative about the house's history and restoration. :bravo:

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Access Before You Go

Parts of the house are under restoration, so confirm current visiting hours and accessibility. :informationdeskperson:

Appreciate the Details

Take your time to admire the exquisite Mamluk architecture and vibrant painted decorations. :art:

Explore the Old District

Bayt al-Razzaz is in a historic area; explore nearby Mamluk architecture for a fuller experience. :world_map:

Engage with Staff

The staff are often helpful and informative about the house's history and restoration. :bravo:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(118 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Bayt al-Razzaz for its beautiful Mamluk architecture and stunning painted decorations, offering a glimpse into historical Cairo. While the ongoing restoration means some areas are inaccessible, the preserved sections are highly appreciated, and the helpful staff enhance the experience.

"One of the beautiful houses that goes back to the Mamluk era. Located between Bab El Wazeer st. & Souk El Selah st. This area is rich in Mamluk architecture"

Hanan Khashaba

"Best resored house from the Mamluk era in Old Cairo"

Nevine Abdelkhalek

"the palace is under restoration , i hope it finishes soon so people can visit it and enjoy the unique architecture of Mamluk's era"

Pompa

What People Like

Beautiful Mamluk architecture
Intricate painted decorations
Helpful and informative staff

What People Dislike

Ongoing restoration work
Partial inaccessibility

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bayt al-Razzaz is located between Bab El Wazeer street and Souk El Selah street in Old Cairo. Taxis or ride-sharing apps are the most convenient ways to reach this historic district. Be prepared for narrow streets and potentially busy traffic in the area. TikTok

While there isn't a direct metro station to Bayt al-Razzaz, you can take the metro to a nearby station like Mar Girgis and then hail a taxi or ride-sharing service for the remainder of the journey. Walking from some central Cairo areas might be possible but is not recommended due to distance and traffic. TikTok

Using a GPS app on your phone is highly recommended. The streets can be winding and confusing. Asking locals for directions to 'Bayt al-Razzaz' or 'the Mamluk house' can also be helpful, though language barriers might exist. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information on ticket prices and availability can vary due to ongoing restoration. It's best to check with local authorities or inquire on-site. Some sources suggest it's accessible for cultural activities, implying potential entry fees or donation requests. Reddit

Opening hours can be inconsistent due to restoration work. It's advisable to visit during standard daylight hours and confirm access beforehand. Social media posts and recent visitor reviews might offer the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Currently, Bayt al-Razzaz is in various states of repair and restoration. While parts are restored and accessible for cultural activities, some areas may be closed off. Visitors should manage expectations regarding full access. InstagramReddit

While official guided tours might not always be available, the staff working at Bayt al-Razzaz are often described as helpful and informative. They can provide insights into the history and architecture of the house. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside Bayt al-Razzaz, especially in the restored sections. However, it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid intrusive flash photography, particularly if there are ongoing events or if staff request it. TikTok

For the best lighting, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. The softer light will highlight the architectural details and painted decorations without harsh shadows. Midday sun can be quite strong. TikTok

Focus on the intricate Mamluk carvings, the vibrant painted ceilings and walls, and any courtyards or architectural features that are well-preserved. The contrast between restored and unrestored sections can also be visually interesting. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

Bayt al-Razzaz is a significant example of Mamluk residential architecture, dating back to the 15th century. It was built by Sultan Qaytbay and later owned by a family who made their fortune in rice, hence the name 'al-Razzaz'. It showcases architectural styles from the 16th to 18th centuries. Instagram

The house displays a rich blend of Mamluk architectural elements. You'll find intricate stone carvings, decorative wooden mashrabiya windows, and stunning painted artwork on ceilings and walls, reflecting different periods of its history. Instagram

It's one of the best-preserved Mamluk houses in Old Cairo, offering a glimpse into the domestic life and architectural grandeur of that era. Its ongoing restoration is crucial for preserving this unique heritage. Reddit+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bayt al-Razzaz offers a unique educational opportunity for families. While the site is undergoing restoration, the visible architectural details and painted decorations can spark children's imagination about historical homes and art. Encourage them to spot different patterns and colors. Instagram

Keep in mind that some areas might be uneven or under construction, so supervision is key. The staff are generally helpful and might be able to point out child-friendly aspects. Consider it a more adventurous outing, focusing on the discovery aspect rather than a fully polished tourist attraction. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and architecture, Bayt al-Razzaz is a must-visit. This Mamluk-era house provides an intimate look at domestic life and artistic trends from the 15th to 18th centuries. The intricate Mamluk carvings and the vibrant painted decorations are particularly noteworthy, offering insights into the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the period. Instagram

Pay close attention to the details of the restoration work. It highlights the challenges and dedication involved in preserving such historical sites. Engaging with the staff, who are often knowledgeable and informative, can significantly enrich your understanding of the house's history and its significance within the context of Old Cairo's rich architectural landscape. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mamluk Legacy in Cairo

Bayt al-Razzaz stands as a remarkable testament to the Mamluk era in Cairo, a period of significant architectural and cultural flourishing. Built in the 15th century, this grand house was originally commissioned by Sultan Qaytbay, a prominent Mamluk ruler. Its later ownership by the al-Razzaz family, who amassed wealth from the rice trade, further cemented its place in the city's history. The house is not a single structure but rather two joined residences, showcasing the evolution of domestic architecture over centuries. Instagram

The architectural style is quintessentially Mamluk, characterized by its robust stonework, intricate geometric patterns, and the use of decorative elements like mashrabiya (latticed wooden screens). What truly sets Bayt al-Razzaz apart are the splendid painted decorations that adorn its walls and ceilings, dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. These vibrant artworks offer a rare glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities and artistic traditions of the time, making the house a vital historical and artistic resource. Instagram

Visitors today can witness the ongoing efforts to preserve this invaluable heritage. The restoration process is a delicate balance between maintaining historical integrity and making the site accessible. While some sections are beautifully brought back to life, others remain in a state of dignified disrepair, telling their own story of time. This blend of the past and present makes Bayt al-Razzaz a compelling destination for anyone interested in Cairo's rich architectural tapestry. Reddit+1

Navigating Old Cairo's Historic Streets

Visiting Bayt al-Razzaz means immersing yourself in the labyrinthine charm of Old Cairo. This historic district is a treasure trove of Mamluk architecture, with Bayt al-Razzaz nestled between Bab El Wazeer street and Souk El Selah street. The area itself is steeped in history, offering a stark contrast to modern Cairo. Navigating these ancient streets can be an adventure, with narrow alleyways and bustling local life. TikTok

For first-time visitors, using a reliable GPS app on your smartphone is highly recommended. The winding paths and the sheer density of historical buildings can be disorienting. Don't hesitate to ask locals for directions; while language barriers might exist, a friendly gesture and pointing to the name 'Bayt al-Razzaz' can often lead you to your destination. The experience of getting there is part of the charm, offering a genuine feel for the city's enduring past. Reddit

When exploring the vicinity, keep an eye out for other Mamluk-era structures. The area is rich with architectural gems, and a leisurely walk can reveal hidden mosques, madrasas, and other historical residences. This makes Bayt al-Razzaz not just a single destination, but a gateway to understanding the broader Mamluk architectural heritage that defines this part of Cairo. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2