2 Best Sights in Heliopolis, Cairo

Commissioned in 1907 by Edward Louis Joseph Empain, a Belgian baron, this Heliopolis landmark was designed by Alexander Marcel and decorated by Georges-Louis Claude. It’s sometimes referred to as Le Palais Hindou (The Hindu Palace), owing to its distinct architecture inspired by Southeast Asian temples. The copper-colored palace is made of reinforced concrete and has a central spiral staircase and elevator that connect its three floors. After being inaccessible for decades, the palace has been restored and now contains a museum with well-curated exhibits detailing the history of Heliopolis. It's worth paying extra for access to the roof, with its incredible 360-degree panoramas.

Also known as Our Lady of Heliopolis Co-Cathedral, this Roman Catholic basilica was designed by Alexander Marcel, the designer of the Baron Empain Palace, who modeled it after Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. Hidden beneath its altar is a chamber containing the remains of Baron Empain—a significant figure not only in Heliopolis’s history, but in the cathedral’s inception—and his family. The church is open to the public (call ahead to confirm hours), but you must prearrange permission from the lay council to access the crypt.