Tahrir Square

This large public square in central Cairo is the symbolic heart of the modern city and a focal point of its political history, most famously as the center of the mass demonstrations of 2011. Ringed by government buildings, hotels and the national museum, it functions as a major traffic and transit hub. In recent years it was remodeled with a central obelisk and rows of ancient ram-headed sphinxes brought from Upper Egypt. Its wide open space and surrounding landmarks make it a natural orientation point for visitors.