Sabil-Kuttab of Abd El-Rahman Katkhuda

Described as a "treasure of Ottoman architecture", this Sabil Kuttab was built in 1744 by Abd El-Rahman Katkhuda, a renowned architect. Its purpose was to provide the thirsty with the blessing of water, and children with the blessing of education. The edifice was constructed in the Mamluk style with impressive and intricate designs on all its facades, whether in the coloured marble or the wooden mashrabiyyas.

The structure sits on a triangular site formed by the splitting of al-Mu'izz Street into two branches. It serves as a visual focus for the termination of this major spine, especially to those approaching it from the monuments of the Qalawunids in the Bayn al-Qasrayn area.

The sabil-kuttab, with its marble mosaics, muqarnas corbeling, voussoirs of alternating colors, and polychrome marble revetment, is characteristic of 'Abd al Rahman Katkhuda's extensive architectural patronage in Cairo, which blended Mamluk and Ottoman architecture and decoration. The interior boasts stunning ceramics in shades of blue, brown, and white, as well as a wooden ceiling gilded with gold. On display on the second floor is a collection of antique silver jewellery as well as bronze and mother of pearl inlaid items.