Citadel Saladin Travel Guide: Top Sights in Egypt, Tours & Travel

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Citadel Saladin- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Egypt; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 4 hours

Perched on the Mokattam Hills in Cairo, the Saladin Citadel was built by Salah ad-Din in 1176 as a military stronghold to defend against Crusaders. Over centuries, it expanded under different rulers, notably during the Mamluk Sultanate and Muhammad Ali Pasha’s reign in the 19th century, blending various architectural styles. Recognized by UNESCO in 1976, the Citadel features several mosques, including the grand Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and museums such as the Egyptian National Military Museum and the Al-Gawhara Palace Museum, offering insights into Egypt's military and royal past. The Citadel's elevated location provides sweeping views of Cairo's landscape.

Operators offering tours in Egypt

Attractions in Cairo

Khan el-Khalili

Egyptian Museum

4.4

Al-Azhar Mosque

4.6

Ibn Tulun Mosque

4.2

Coptic Museum

Al-Mu'izz Street

4.8

Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

Bab Zuweila

4.8

Reviews of Citadel Saladin

Eva M.

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-26

You can pay the tickets only with Visa! Its beautiful mosque, the view over the Cairo and pyramids is breathtaking. Don’t miss the museum of military or police. It’s worth to see it :)
Muzzammil Jummun

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-05

Nice historic place, built by Salah ad-Din. The alabaster mosque at the top is really beautiful. Offers great views of the city.
Luis Felipe de Oliveira

5
Reviewed: 2024-03-12

The Citadel is an amazing construction with beautiful view to the old part of Cairo. The Mohhamed Ali Mosque is really impressive and the interior is fantastic. The visit is really worth it!
Catherine Shawarby

4
Reviewed: 2024-03-07

An iconic landmark in Cairo with an intriguing history. Sadly modern construction on the panorama viewing area spoils the ambiance of history. The military museum is badly lit and a large proportion of the rooms were closed giving it a distinct feeling of neglect. The Royal Garden a recent addition is an extra LE 10, but you can climb the staircase to the walls, sadly again neglected.
Toni Walburn (Toni Lee)

5
Reviewed: 2024-01-28

Every country should make it a requirement to travel to experience the cultures and see living truths. Absolutely beautiful place that gave me such a sense of peace. 800 year old mosque and museums learning the truth history from the ones living it. The views and sunset were absolutely awe inspiring, it was truly a special experience to share with my old friends from a historic treasure.