Bab al-Nasr
Northern Historic Cairo
Bab al-Nasr is one of the great surviving gates of Fatimid Cairo, built in 1087 CE with massive square towers and carved shield motifs symbolizing the defense of the city.
Historical Overview
Bab al-Nasr, or the Gate of Victory, was built in 1087 CE by the Fatimid vizier and commander Badr al-Jamali during the reign of Caliph al-Mustansir Billah. It replaced an earlier brick gate created by Jawhar al-Siqilli when Cairo was first founded. Badr al-Jamali moved the new stone fortification farther north as part of a major rebuilding of the city walls. Although a foundation inscription referred to the gate as Bab al-Izz, or Gate of Glory, Cairenes continued to use the older name Bab al-Nasr. The monument is formed by two large square towers flanking the central entrance. Their façades are decorated with carved shields and military motifs that visually reinforce the defensive purpose of the fortifications. Together with Bab al-Futuh and Bab Zuwayla, Bab al-Nasr is one of the most important surviving examples of medieval Islamic military architecture in Cairo.
Why Visit?
Bab al-Nasr is a strong stop for understanding the scale and engineering of Fatimid Cairo’s defensive walls and pairs naturally with nearby Bab al-Futuh at the northern end of Al-Muizz.
Media Gallery
Bab al-Nasr in Cairo
Opening Hours
Check specific site for hours.