Discovering The Secrets of Garbage City and the Cave Church

Tour Overview

3 Hours Duration
Cairo, Egypt
Intermediate

Visit one of Cairo’s most unique and eye-opening places with Abanoub — a local guide born and raised in Manshiyat Nasser, known as “Garbage City”. Your tour includes transportation inside the area and a refreshing drink. During the tour, we will visit: Historic Churches: The Cave Church, the Cathedral Church, and St. Mark’s Church (Roman Theatre area) Fun & Views: Climb one of the highest pigeon towers and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Cairo. Art & Culture: Discover El Seed’s world-famous mural painted across more than 50 buildings, and explore handmade recycling crafts created by talented local women. Adventure (Optional): Try exciting activities such as zipline, low ropes, high ropes, climbing, via ferrata, and the giant swing. (These activities are optional and paid directly to the centre.) Recycling Experience: Visit a recycling centre to learn how the community achieves one of the highest recycling rates in the world.

History

Culture

What to Expect

What We See & What We Do on the Tour

During this unique community tour, you will explore some of the most impressive and unexpected spots in Cairo:

Visit the Cave Church – the largest church in the Middle East, with incredible mountain carvings.

Walk inside Garbage City – see how locals collect, sort, and recycle Cairo’s waste using human power.

Discover creative workshops – where recycled materials are turned into handmade crafts and souvenirs.

See eL Seed’s giant mural – a world-famous artwork painted over 52 buildings.

Climb the pigeon towers – and enjoy a panoramic view of Cairo (if available).

Learn real local stories – from someone born and raised inside the community.

Take professional photos – in the best locations during the tour.

Enjoy a refreshing drink – included as part of your experience.

What’s Included, What’s Not

Transportation inside the tour
Free refreshing drink
Professional photography included
Purchases not included
Adventure activities not included
Personal expenses not included

Our Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

11:00 | St. Simon the Tanner Monastery – Cave Church

Visit the largest church in the Middle East, with a capacity of more than 20,000 people!
Discover over 50 incredible rock carvings and sculptures spread across the monastery.
A magical spiritual and artistic experience you’ll never forget.
Hidden spots, incredible views, photography gems, and unforgettable stories from a local born and raised in Manshiyat Nasser.

12:00 | The Garbage City – A World Like No Other!

An entire community responsible for collecting, sorting, and recycling Cairo’s garbage using pure human power, no machines!

13:00 | Egypt’s Largest Graffiti Artwork – eL Seed’s Masterpiece

Created by the Tunisian-French artist eL Seed, this artwork is one of the most impressive murals in the world.
It covers 52 building facades and forms a complete sentence from St. Athanasius: “Anyone who wants to look at the sunlight naturally wipes his eye clear first.”
A breathtaking piece of art worth every moment of your visit 🤩