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- For his own residence the Baron built a replica of a Khmer temple where he used to host legendary parties. Edouard Louis Joseph, also known as Baron Empain was a wealthy Belgian engineer, entrepreneur, financier and industrialist, as well as an amateur Egyptologist.
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- The Cicurel Grand Store in Heliopolis displays high quality fashion under the original architecture.
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- Along one of the main roads in Heliopolis a Starbucks and other modern stores serve locals and tourists.
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- The Basillica on Al-Ahram street reflects in the glass of one of the many storefronts.
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- Le’Amphetrion is one of the oldest original cafes in Heliopolis, it sits on Al-Ahram street catty-corner to the presidential palace.
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- The Cicurel Grand Store in Heliopolis displays high quality fashion under the original architecture.
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- Along one of the main roads in Heliopolis a Starbucks and other modern stores serve locals and tourists.
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- Many jewelry stores line the streets of Heliopolis. This one shows a patriotic Egyptian flag.
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- The Cicurel Grand Store in Heliopolis displays high quality fashion under the original architecture.
Heliopolis is an anomaly, a dream that has been engulfed by modern Cairo. On arrival most people will notice the Cambodian architecture of Baron’s Palace on the road from the airport. But Heliopolis’ century of history runs deeper. It was the brainchild of Edouard Louis Joseph, also known as Baron Empain was a wealthy Belgian engineer, entrepreneur, financier and industrialist, as well as an amateur Egyptologist. Who built a resort styled city on the edge of Cairo for the foreign rich and elite to revel in. Since it’s original exclusivity has been swallowed up by successive neighborhoods. Now it’s arabesque architecture and grand boulevards contrast against the Nasr era apartment blocks that surround it.