Sabil and wikala al-Manawi
Monument Combined sabil and caravanserai structure in Cairo
The Sabil and wikala al‑Manawi pairs a public fountain with a nearby wikala (caravanserai); visitors include architectural historians and walking‑tour groups tracing Cairo’s commercial past.
Sabil and wikala al-Manawi is a historic sabil (public fountain) and wikala (urban caravanserai/warehouse) located in Cairo Governorate, Egypt. It represents a combined civic and commercial building type common in historic Cairo.
The site includes a street-facing fountain kiosk for dispensing water and an adjoining wikala space that historically served merchants and storage. These elements are typically compact and integrated into the urban streetscape rather than occupying large grounds.
Built to provide drinking water and to support commercial activity, the complex would have functioned as part of the city’s fabric of public services and trade. Such complexes were commonly established as charitable endowments that generated revenue or services for local communities.
The complex sits within the dense urban area of Cairo Governorate, Egypt, at the coordinates provided. It lies within the historic city rather than in a suburban or rural setting.
- Type: A combined complex consisting of a public water-dispensing kiosk and an adjoining commercial lodging or storage structure.
- Function: Often intended as a charitable endowment to provide free drinking water and support trade in the surrounding neighborhood.
How to Get to Sabil and wikala al-Manawi #
Located in the commercial quarters of Historic Cairo, within walking distance of major markets. From central Cairo, a taxi to the Khan el-Khalili area followed by a short walk locates the site.
Tips for Visiting Sabil and wikala al-Manawi #
- The wikala (warehouse) and sabil combination often indicates a commercial endowment - notice the merchant elements like loading doors on the rear facades.
- Visit after a rain; the way water beads on the stone and the smell of wet lime mortar gives extra texture to photographs.
Best Time to Visit Sabil and wikala al-Manawi #
Morning visits in the cooler season are most pleasant.
Weather & Climate near Sabil and wikala al-Manawi #
Sabil and wikala al-Manawi'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.
