Nilometer on Roda Island Cairo
A 9th-century marvel on Roda Island, Cairo, used to measure the Nile's floodwaters for agricultural and tax purposes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Nilometer on Roda Island Cairo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 9th-century marvel on Roda Island, Cairo, used to measure the Nile's floodwaters for agricultural and tax purposes.
"A cool interior and a masterpiece of Arab drawings and Escher stairs, though some find the visit too brief."
⏳ Be Patient with Access
Access is often controlled by a keyholder; be prepared for potential waits and a brief viewing time.
💰 Entrance Fee
An entrance ticket is required, payable by cash or card at the premises.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Abbasid Nilometer
Roda Island, Cairo
A marvel of ancient engineering, this 9th-century structure precisely measured the Nile's floodwaters to determine agricultural fertility and taxes.
Intricate Kufic Inscriptions
Walls of the Nilometer chamber
Discover ancient Kufic script, including Quranic verses and names of caliphs, etched into the walls, offering a glimpse into historical artistry.
Ottoman Era Dome
Above the Nilometer chamber
Admire the rebuilt Ottoman dome from 1825, a testament to the site's continuous historical significance and architectural evolution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Manage Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Be Patient with Access
Access is often controlled by a keyholder; be prepared for potential waits and a brief viewing time.
💰 Entrance Fee
An entrance ticket is required, payable by cash or card at the premises.
📸 Quick Photo Ops
The interior is small, so you'll have a minute or two for photos. Capture the inscriptions and the central column.
🚶 Combine with Museum
The Umm Kulthum Museum is right next door, making it easy to visit both sites together.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Be Patient with Access
Access is often controlled by a keyholder; be prepared for potential waits and a brief viewing time.
💰 Entrance Fee
An entrance ticket is required, payable by cash or card at the premises.
📸 Quick Photo Ops
The interior is small, so you'll have a minute or two for photos. Capture the inscriptions and the central column.
🚶 Combine with Museum
The Umm Kulthum Museum is right next door, making it easy to visit both sites together.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Nilometer historically fascinating, appreciating its ancient engineering and intricate inscriptions. However, some feel the visit is too brief and expensive for the short time spent, with access often controlled by a keyholder. It's often recommended to combine it with the nearby Umm Kulthum Museum for a more complete Roda Island experience.
"Very cool interior, I think from the Abbasid era? Either way very nice, there were no other tourists"
Finlarion
"Not worth to visit. You pay a few hundred pound just to see nilometer from above for 1 minute. There’s a keyguard that will rush u to go inside and take photos for a minute cos he seems in a rush to do other things. It’s locked all the time so u have to follow his time. There are several places in this complex and it’s either closed or have additional ticket. Security will asked u to give them money for eid al fitr. Boring places. I spent 10 minutes max in this place."
PlusULTRA
"This is a historical landmark in Cairo that was used in the past to measure the height of water in the Nile river.
There is an entrance ticket that can be bought at the premises entrance by cash or card.
The place itself is just a chamber, and one cannot use the stairs to go downwards. The place has some nice views to the Nile river.
Right next to this place is the Umm Kulthum Museum."
Fahd Batayneh فهد بطاينة
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Nilometer is located on Roda Island in Cairo. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing service. Public transport options might be available but can be more complex for tourists.
Roda Island is accessible by road. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are the most convenient ways to get there directly.
For ease and directness, using a taxi or a ride-sharing app like Uber or Careem is recommended to reach Roda Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance ticket is required to visit the Nilometer. You can purchase it at the premises.
The entrance fee is a few hundred Egyptian pounds. It's advisable to have cash on hand, though card payment might be accepted.
Opening hours can be variable as access is often managed by a keyholder. It's best to visit during standard daytime hours and be prepared for potential waiting times.
Currently, there is no indication of online ticket purchasing. Tickets are typically bought on-site at the entrance.
Access is often controlled by a keyguard, so you may need to wait for them. Visiting during daytime hours is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the historical Nilometer structure, a stone well with a central marble column, and ancient inscriptions on the walls. You cannot descend into the well. +1
Most visitors find the visit to be very short, often around 10 minutes, due to the limited access and size of the site.
No, visitors cannot use the stairs to go downwards into the well of the Nilometer. You view it from above.
Yes, the Umm Kulthum Museum is located right next to the Nilometer, offering another point of interest on Roda Island.
The Nilometer was crucial for ancient Egyptians to measure the Nile's flood levels, predict harvests, and determine taxes. It dates back to 861 AD.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of the limited time you have inside and respect any specific rules.
Focus on the intricate Kufic inscriptions on the walls, the central marble column, and the architectural details of the chamber.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be discreet and avoid flash photography if it might disturb the historical site or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining this visit with the nearby Umm Kulthum Museum, which might offer more engaging exhibits for children. Be prepared for the possibility of waiting for access and the fact that the site is primarily for viewing, not interactive exploration.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to appreciate the details of the inscriptions and the construction of the well and column. While the visit is short, the historical depth of the site is significant. Consider researching the history of the Nilometer and its importance before your visit to fully appreciate its context.
📸 Photographers
Be prepared for potentially limited time inside, so have your camera ready. Focus on capturing the texture of the stone, the details of the script, and the overall structure. The surrounding Nile views from the island can also offer complementary photographic content.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Nilometer
The architectural design incorporates elements from various historical periods. The column is surrounded by stone stairs and a landing featuring three arches, showcasing the Fatimid architectural style. The opening of the Nilometer is covered by a dome, which was rebuilt in the Ottoman period in 1825 AD during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha, after the original dome had collapsed. This layering of architectural styles—Abbasid, Fatimid, and Ottoman—makes the Nilometer a fascinating historical site.
Beyond its functional purpose, the Nilometer is adorned with significant decorative elements. The walls bear Abbasid Kufic inscriptions, including Quranic verses like 'And We made from water every living thing,' alongside the names of caliphs. Additionally, geometric and floral motifs from the Fatimid period can be observed, adding an artistic dimension to this historically vital structure.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
While the historical significance is undeniable, some reviewers mention that the site itself is small and doesn't take long to explore, often around 10 minutes maximum. This brevity, coupled with the entrance fee, has led a few to question its value for money. However, others appreciate the 'cool interior' and the 'masterpiece' of the Arab drawings and Escher-like stairs, finding it a worthwhile quick stop.
It's also worth noting that other parts of the complex might be closed or require additional tickets, and security personnel might approach visitors for tips, especially around holidays. For a more comprehensive experience, combining your visit with the adjacent Umm Kulthum Museum is highly recommended, as it's conveniently located and offers a different cultural perspective on Roda Island.
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