Monument to the Unknown Soldier- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

The Unknown Soldier Memorial in Cairo stands as a profound symbol of valor and sacrifice, commemorating the men who laid down their lives in the 1973 October War. Established by President Anwar Sadat in 1974 and unveiled in October 1975, this remarkable structure is not just a tribute to Egyptian and Arab soldiers; it also holds a personal connection to the nation's history, serving as President Sadat's final resting place following his assassination in October 1981. This monument transcends typical architectural conventions through its unique design - a hollow pyramid crafted from concrete, soaring to a height of 25 meters and spanning a base width of 14.3 meters. Sami Rafi, a distinguished professor from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cairo, is credited with its conception, infusing it with profound symbolism and aesthetic significance. The monument's pillars, each 1.9 meters in thickness, are etched with 71 names, serving as a roll call of honor that immortalizes the bravery of those who fought. At the heart of this edifice lies a solid basalt cube, an emblem of the unknown soldier's tomb, embodying the essence of sacrifice and the weight of loss.