Sabil-Kuttab of Nafisa al-Bayda
Southern Al-Muizz / Bab Zuweila
Admire an elegant late eighteenth-century Ottoman-style sabil-kuttab near Bab Zuweila, built to provide free drinking water to passers-by and religious education to children.
Historical Overview
The ground-floor sabil provided drinking water to the public, while the upper kuttab functioned as a school. The façade is especially attractive: its rounded form is pierced by three copper windows with geometric latticework, while a marble foundation inscription and carved stone decoration emphasise the central section.
Why Visit?
It is a beautifully proportioned example of late Ottoman civic architecture and highlights the charitable works of Nafisa al-Bayda, one of the most prominent women in late eighteenth-century Cairo.
What to See
- Rounded Ottoman-style façade
- Three copper lattice windows
- Marble foundation inscription
- Geometric stone decoration
- Upper kuttab
- Marble columns
- Side entrance from al-Hammam Lane
- Historic water-distribution room
Getting There
Destination / الوجهة
سبيل نفيسة البيضاء
Point to this and ask them to take you there
من فضلك وديني سبيل نفيسة البيضاء عند باب زويلة
Public Transit Options
Metro
Attaba — Lines 2 & 3
Recommended Route
Metro: Attaba -> walk or short ride to southern Historic Cairo
Media Gallery
The rounded Ottoman-style facade of the Sabil-Kuttab of Nafisa al-Bayda
Good to Know
Best Combined With
Make the most of your visit by combining this with:Wikala of Nafisa al-Bayda,Bab Zuweila
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Plan Your Visit
- Duration: 20 - 30 mins
- Best Time: Daytime.