The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

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After establishing Cairopolitan as a hub for contemporary souvenirs inspired by Cairo, the creative team has expanded its vision to Giza. Their new venture, Gizapolitan, redefines what it means to shop for keepsakes at the foot of the pyramids. Instead of mass-produced trinkets, visitors discover objects made with heritage techniques and timeless design.

Crafting the Space

The interior, designed by Nelly El Sharkawy and Hefne, blurs the line between shop and exhibition space. Mosaic tiles, patterned surfaces, and plaster details shape a setting that is both authentic and contemporary. One of the most striking features is the use of gold leaf on glass, an age-old gliding method brought back to life. Rather than adding ornament for its own sake, the technique lends a refined clarity, keeping the space honest, understated, and aligned with the designers’ vision.

A Gallery-Like Ambience

Inside, Gizapolitan feels closer to a gallery than a souvenir shop. The shelves carry ceramic bowls painted in earthy tones, plaster reliefs of lotus and papyrus, mosaic panels, and authentic handmade tiles. Every piece is designed to last, offering travellers something far more meaningful than the typical keepsakes found nearby.

Inspired by Ancient Egypt

The design is deeply rooted in Egypt’s traditions. The colour palette evokes the hues of desert sandstone and the turquoise of ancient faience. Repeated geometric patterns echo temple courtyards and tomb walls. Each material, from mosaics to gilded glass, was chosen not only for its ornamentation but also as a tribute to the craftsmanship that has long defined Egypt.

Redefining Souvenirs at the Pyramids

For many, souvenirs from the pyramids often mean miniature replicas of monuments or papyrus scrolls. Gizapolitan changes that expectation. Here, visitors can take home objects that feel like contemporary artefacts: a single tile that adds character to a home, a mosaic panel that doubles as wall art, or a piece of gilded glass that catches the light in a modern setting.

More than a shop, Gizapolitan is a statement of intent. It continues Cairopolitan’s mission to celebrate local design, while paying homage to the enduring legacy of Giza. By uniting traditional craft with modern sensibility, it creates a new souvenir culture, one where heritage lives on through thoughtful design and everyday objects.