Salah El Din Citadel

The History of the Salah El Din Citadel in Cairo

The Salah El Din Citadel in Cairo was built by the great commander Salah El Din Al Ayyubi (Saladin) in 1176 AD with the intention to establish a powerful military fortress and stronghsold for Cairo and Fustat against any future invasions or attacks, with the selected location on Mokattam hills allowing a perfect view over the whole city.

Since then the citadel went through continuous changes and renovations and grew from just a military structure into a political, administrative, religious and cultural hub of Egypt throughout Ayyubids, Mamluk and Ottoman rule. Various sultans and rulers added further buildings including mosques, palaces, barracks and armament workshops to enlarge the structure and to convert it into a palace-citadel.

One of the most well-known monuments found within is the Muhammad Ali Mosque constructed in the 19th century, completely altering the Cairo skyline. The Citadel remained the center of government until the mid-19th century thus being one of the most durable political centers throughout Egyptian history.

To date the Citadel of Salah El Din in Cairo stands as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It represents centuries of Islamic architecture, culture and history. Visitors often throng to visit its sites not only for viewing the monuments but also to acquire knowledge on the history and development of Cairo throughout several Islamic eras.

The Highlights within the Salah El Din Citadel

There are various places to see within the Salah El Din Citadel, which makes it one of the best thing to do in Cairo.

1- The most popular place to visit is the Muhammad Ali Mosque or commonly called the Alabaster Mosque, which is one of the most photographed site of the Islamic Cairo as it can be viewed from the sky line due to its size, Ottoman design, large domes and minarets.

2- Another notable mosque to visit is the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque which dates back to the Mamluk era. This place of prayer is unique with its distinct features and historical importance.

3- Inside the fortress there is a military museum where you will be able to view arms, uniforms and artefacts from the past history of Egypt, there is also a police museum.

4- However one of the greatest attractions is the overall city skyline viewed from high atop the fortress. You will be able to take in the whole skyline of the city, the Old Cairo and Islamic Cairo, also the river Nile if visibility allows.

These are just few reasons as to why visiting the fortress is a great part of your sightseeing in Cairo.

Traveling to the Salah El Din Citadel and Local Sites

The Salah El Din Citadel in Cairo can be found right in the middle of Islamic Cairo and is quite accessible from the whole city. The most convenient option to get there from central Cairo is by Uber, taxi, or a guided tour, which will typically take anywhere from 20-40 minutes depending on Cairo traffic.

Public transport can also be utilized but if it’s your first time in Cairo, then a taxi or ride sharing service would be easiest.

When you get to the citadel itself, even the climb up the mountain to get there presents you with spectacular panoramic views over Cairo, which serves as an adventure of itself.

The great thing about the Salah El Din Citadel's location is its proximity to the legendary Khan El Khalili Bazaar (the oldest bazaar in the Middle East), along with Al-Muizz Street. Both these attractions are only short distances away, as are the neighboring Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa'i Mosque. The city’s central location in Islamic Cairo also makes it incredibly easy to visit during a day tour of Cairo alongside the city’s other famous attractions.

Tips for visitors to Salah El Din Citadel in Cairo

A visit to Salah El Din Citadel in Cairo is simple, however, some information below might be useful for your trip.

1- Tickets for entrance to the citadel usually offer fair prices for local people and foreign visitors, sometimes student discounts could be applied.The citadel is open every day from early morning till late afternoon so you can plan a trip whenever you want.

2- Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit because at that time the weather will be not too hot, also the light is perfect for photography and avoid some visitors.

3- Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended to wear because the place is very big and the walking surface is uneven, also modesty dresses should be wear to be appropriate for a religious and historical place, so if you are planning to visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque then please dress properly.

4- Photography is permitted in some part of the citadel, however, it is the best places for photo spots in Cairo. Bringing some water is essential, particularly during hot summer months.

5- An average duration of visits is 2-3 hours, and it depends on the number of museums or spots you plan to explore inside the citadel.