Phase Two of Magra El Oyoun Aqueduct Restoration Begins

Phase two of the restoration and development of Cairo’s Magra El Oyoun Aqueduct has begun, focusing on the section overlooking the Nile Corniche, where the historic wall reaches its highest point at around 18 metres.

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber said the works are being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the National Organisation for Urban Harmony, with the aim of restoring the monument and protecting it from further erosion.

The current phase includes treatment of the stonework and exterior cladding, as well as securing architectural elements along the upper part of the wall. Authorities said the work is being implemented according to archaeological restoration standards intended to preserve the structure’s historic character.

The wider project has already included the removal of informal settlements and industrial activity from areas surrounding the aqueduct, with residents and businesses relocated to newly prepared areas, including Al Robeiki for leather and tannery activity.

The redevelopment has also introduced residential, commercial and cultural uses inspired by the area’s Islamic architectural character, including housing, shops, restaurants, cafés, a hotel and cinemas.

Earlier restoration work involved cleaning accumulated dirt and pollution from the aqueduct’s stones, removing encroachments along its route and treating cracks and deteriorated sections stretching between the Citadel and Fustat. Landscaping and public-realm improvements have also been carried out around the monument as part of the broader redevelopment of Historic Cairo.