Sabil-Kuttab of Qaytbay Monument

Mamluk-era sabil-kuttab fountain and Quranic school building

A Mamluk‑era sabil‑kuttab on Cairo's historic streets, the Qaytbay structure pairs a public water fountain below with a Quranic school above; visitors study its stonework and period architectural details.

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Cairo Qaytbay sabil 2.jpg
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Detail of entrance of Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaytbay, Cairo, 1480 (1) (52088542171).jpg
Detail of entrance of Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaytbay, Cairo, 1480 (2) (52088565863).jpg
Epigraphic blazon of Sultan Qaybay from his sabil-kuttab, 1480, Cairo (1) (52089039405).jpg
Epigraphic blazon of Sultan Qaybay from his sabil-kuttab, 1480, Cairo (2) (52089039070).jpg
Flickr - Gaspa - Cairo, una casa storica.jpg
Qaytbay sabil cistern.jpg
Qaytbay sabil exterior decoration.jpg

Sabil-Kuttab of Qaytbay at a Glance#

Address: Historic district, Islamic Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Hours: No fixed museum hours (heritage monument; exterior visible any time)

Admission: Typically free to view exterior; access may be included with Islamic Cairo walking tours (variable)

How to Get to Sabil-Kuttab of Qaytbay#

Located in Islamic Cairo. The easiest approach is on foot from Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street (the main medieval avenue), a 5-15 minute walk depending on which segment of the old city is used as a starting point. Metro: nearest metro station is Al-Sayeda Zeinab (then taxi or 10-20 minute walk); Cairo traffic and pedestrian conditions vary greatly.

Tips for Visiting Sabil-Kuttab of Qaytbay#

  • Approach on foot from Al-Muizz Street to see the building in its urban context-its street-facing sabil façade is meant to be seen from the road.
  • Look for the subtle inscriptions and carved stonework above the water-grille; they often go unread.
  • Combine a visit with nearby medieval sabils and khans-Qaytbay's is best understood in the company of its contemporaries.

Best Time to Visit Sabil-Kuttab of Qaytbay#

As a small historic sabil-kuttab (public water dispensary with attached Qur'anic school) in the heart of Islamic Cairo, visits should be timed for pleasant weather and to coincide with walking routes in the district.

Winter
Dec-Feb · 10-20°C
Cooler, agreeable weather for wandering Cairo's streets.
Autumn/Spring
Mar-May, Sep-Nov · 18-28°C
Comfortable temperatures and lower summer dust.

Weather & Climate near Sabil-Kuttab of Qaytbay#

Climate

Sabil-Kuttab of Qaytbay'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.

Air Quality: AQI 133 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
45°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
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 15° - 29° 22° 1 mm some cloud 44% 2.9 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 22° - 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% 1.8 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.5h
December Excellent 9° - 21° 15° 7 mm mostly sunny 62% 2.7 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.1h

Nearby Attractions to Sabil-Kuttab of Qaytbay#