Sha'ar Hashamayim Synagogue (Cairo)
Synagogue Historic synagogue in Cairo's Jewish quarter
A historic synagogue in central Cairo that draws visitors interested in Jewish heritage and architecture. Sightseers combine visits with other historic sites in the area to study religious art, inscriptions and the city’s multi-faith past.
Sha’ar Hashamayim Synagogue (Cairo) is a synagogue in Cairo Governorate, Egypt, recorded under its Hebrew name meaning “Gates of Heaven.” The site is identified in city directories and mapping resources for Cairo.
The interior and exterior attract interest for religious and community history, and the building has been used by Cairo’s Jewish community for worship and communal events. Specific visitor access and opening times vary and are subject to local arrangements.
The synagogue is a constructed religious building with roots in the modern period of Cairo’s Jewish community; published accounts and community records reference its role in communal life during the 20th century.
It sits within the urban fabric of Cairo; the provided coordinates place it inside the Cairo Governorate area served by the city’s transport and street network.
- Location and community: Located in Cairo Governorate, the synagogue serves the city's historic Jewish community and appears on local maps and directories.
- Name and cultural significance: The building is known by the Hebrew name meaning "Gates of Heaven" and is recorded in 20th-century accounts of Cairo's Jewish institutions.
How to Get to Sha'ar Hashamayim Synagogue (Cairo) #
The synagogue is in Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo) near the Babylon Fortress area. From downtown Cairo, take a taxi to the Babylon/Coptic Museum area; it’s a short walk through narrow lanes. Public transport options are limited and local knowledge is helpful-arranging a guide from central Cairo is recommended for first-time visitors.
Tips for Visiting Sha'ar Hashamayim Synagogue (Cairo) #
- Friday evening prayers draw the Orthodox community-visit outside those hours to avoid disrupting services.
- Look for the synagogue's ornate bimah and original wooden seating; photography inside may be restricted-ask permission.
- Combine a visit with walking tours of historic Cairo neighborhoods (Gamaleya, Ben Ezra) to place the synagogue in the city's broader Jewish heritage.
Best Time to Visit Sha'ar Hashamayim Synagogue (Cairo) #
Visit in the cooler months (Oct-Apr) to comfortably explore Old Cairo and nearby historic sites.
Weather & Climate near Sha'ar Hashamayim Synagogue (Cairo) #
Sha'ar Hashamayim Synagogue (Cairo)'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 28°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 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
