Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Monument to the Unknown Soldier

The Egyptian government has built numerous monuments for Egyptian soldiers both domestically and abroad, but none is more famous than the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Cairo. Situated in Nasr City in northeastern Cairo, this pyramid-shaped monument was ordered by President Anwar Sadat in 1974 to honor the Egyptian soldiers who lost their lives during the October War of 1973.

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier was inaugurated in 1975. Shaped like a triangular pyramid, its design draws inspiration from the pyramid form and has become an iconic landmark in Cairo, often referred to as the “modern pyramid.” This elegantly designed monument became the tomb of President Sadat in 1981, mirroring the burial of Egyptian pharaohs within pyramids. The structure consists of four hollow granite slanted pillars that converge into a pyramid shape. It stands 36.64 meters tall, with a base width of 14.3 meters and each pillar being 1.9 meters thick. Engraved on the pillars in large Arabic script are the names of 71 Egyptian soldiers who died in various Middle Eastern wars, arranged across 18 lines — a tribute to their sacrifice.

At the center of the monument’s base lies a fixed basalt cube, representing the tomb of these fallen soldiers. They rest here alongside President Sadat, jointly guarding Egypt.

Unknown Soldier Memorial

Must-visit reason: Egypt’s most renowned monument

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Egypt[Egypt]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Cairo Governorate [Cairo Governorate]

City where the attraction is located: Cairo [Cairo]