UNESCO, the cultural wing of the United Nations, includes Islamic Cairo on its select World Heritage site, which pits it on a par with the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, and Venice. It is a historic area that contains the greatest concentration of medieval Islamic monuments to be found anywhere. The skyline is a spiky signature of minarets and domes, reflecting a time when Cairo was the wealthiest capital in the world.

Islamic Cairo is the term for the part of the city that dates back to before the development of the new European quarters. Because the word Islamic is unfortunately at times associated with terrorism, the Egyptian authorities are now promoting the less emotive term Fatimid Cairo.

Begin at Khan Al-Khalili, the extensive bazaar at the heart of the area. With its miles of lanes, alleys, and cul-de-sacs, cruising the Khan requires a day in itself, though you could combine it with a visit the neighbouring Al-Azhar Mosque. Your next trip could take in the Northern Walls and include visits to Al-Hakim’s Mosque, Bayt al-Suhami, and the three Mamluk complexes on Bayn al-Qasreen.