Sabil al-Ahmar
Monument Historic public water fountain (sabil) in Cairo
Sabil al‑Ahmar is one of Cairo’s historic public water fountains from the Mamluk/Ottoman periods; visitors trace carved stonework and calligraphy while walking medieval streets such as Al‑Muizz.
Sabil al-Ahmar is a sabil, a public water-dispensing fountain, located in Cairo Governorate, Egypt. The term sabil denotes a structure built to provide potable water to the public.
Such structures are typically small, street-level fountains set into facades or freestanding kiosks and are notable for their civic function rather than large-scale architecture. They are often visited by people interested in historic urban features or Islamic-era civic infrastructure.
Sabils were historically constructed across Cairo to provide charitable water distribution to passersby; specific construction details for this named sabil are not provided here. Its location is within the administrative bounds of Cairo Governorate near the coordinates given.
- Function: Originally intended to dispense drinking water to passersby; sabils are a common element of Cairo's urban fabric.
How to Get to Sabil al-Ahmar #
Located in Historic Cairo; best reached on foot from Bab Zuweila, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, or by taxi from central Cairo. The nearest metro is Sadat station, with a short taxi or tram ride into the old quarter.
Tips for Visiting Sabil al-Ahmar #
- Look closely at the carved calligraphy and stone channels; the sabil's original spouts are often missing but channel traces remain.
- Compare decorative motifs with nearby sabils to see subtly different styles of stone cutting and inlay.
Best Time to Visit Sabil al-Ahmar #
Visit in the cooler months and in the morning for the most comfortable conditions.
Weather & Climate near Sabil al-Ahmar #
Sabil al-Ahmar's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.