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 at a Glance#
Address: Sabil and rab’ al-Balfiya area, Historic Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
About Sabil and rab' al-Balfiya#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 8° - 20° | 14° | 6 mm | some cloud | 61% | 2.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.3h |
| February | Excellent | 9° - 21° | 15° | 6 mm | some cloud | 56% | 2.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.0h |
| March | Ideal | 11° - 24° | 17° | 4 mm | some cloud | 51% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 14° - 29° | 22° | 1 mm | some cloud | 44% | 2.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 18° - 32° | 25° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 40% | 3.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.6h |
| June | Ideal | 20° - 35° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 40% | 3.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Ideal | 22° - 35° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 42% | 2.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.8h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 35° | 28° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 45% | 2.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 20° - 33° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 50% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 18° - 30° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 56% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.3h |
| November | Ideal | 13° - 25° | 19° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 1.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |
| December | Excellent | 9° - 21° | 15° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 2.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
