Sabil and rab' al-Balfiya
Monument Sabil and adjacent cistern complex in Cairo
The Sabil and rab’ al‑Balfiya combine a public fountain and a small rest‑house used historically by travellers; visitors examine its masonry and decorative inscriptions during old‑city walking tours.
Sabil and rab’ al-Balfiya is a sabil and associated water-trough type feature located in Cairo Governorate, Egypt. The term sabil refers to a public fountain; rab’ indicates an associated trough or basin.
Such combinations provided water for people and sometimes animals, forming part of historic civic welfare systems in Egyptian cities. This entry denotes a functional urban fixture rather than a large monument.
It is situated in Cairo Governorate at the supplied coordinates; detailed historical records for this specific sabil and trough are not provided here.
- Purpose: Sabils like this one were charitable installations intended to provide free drinking water to the public.
How to Get to Sabil and rab' al-Balfiya #
Located in Historic Cairo near the old market districts. Reachable on foot from Khan el-Khalili or by short taxi ride from downtown Cairo.
Tips for Visiting Sabil and rab' al-Balfiya #
- Look for evidence of repairs and reused stone - these sabil-rab' complexes often survived by being incorporated into later buildings.
- If possible, visit during a guided walking tour of the area to learn inscription translations and donor names.
Best Time to Visit Sabil and rab' al-Balfiya #
Morning visits in cooler months are best.
Weather & Climate near Sabil and rab' al-Balfiya #
Sabil and rab' al-Balfiya'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 10°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 35°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.
