Salah El Din Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Cairo, is a medieval Islamic fortress located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. It was built in the 12th century by the famous Muslim military leader, Salah El Din, also known as Saladin, to protect the city from Crusader attacks.
The Citadel is a massive structure that covers an area of approximately 30 hectares (74 acres). It is surrounded by high walls and contains several important buildings, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Cairo.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and is known for its impressive domes and minarets. It was built in the 19th century by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt, and is named after him.
Other notable buildings within the Citadel include the Al-Gawhara Palace, which was built in the 19th century and served as the residence of the Egyptian royal family, and the National Military Museum, which contains a collection of weapons and artifacts from Egypt's military history.
Visitors to the Citadel can explore the various buildings and museums and enjoy the stunning views of Cairo from the top of the fortress. The Citadel is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
The Citadel was built in the 12th century by Salah El Din, who was a Muslim military leader and the first sultan of Egypt and Syria. It was constructed on a hill overlooking the city of Cairo and was designed to protect the city from Crusader attacks. Over the years, the Citadel has been expanded and renovated by various rulers, including Muhammad Ali Pasha, who added many of the buildings that are still standing today.
Architecture: The Citadel is a prime example of Islamic military architecture. The walls of the fortress are made of limestone and are several meters thick, with towers and battlements for defense. Inside the walls, there are several buildings and structures, including mosques, palaces, and museums, which are built in various architectural styles, including Mamluk, Ottoman, and European.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali: The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is one of the most impressive buildings in the Citadel. It was built in the Ottoman style and is known for its two minarets and large central dome. The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate designs and features a large chandelier that was a gift from King Louis Philippe of France.
Al-Gawhara Palace: Al-Gawhara Palace is another notable building in the Citadel. It was built in the 19th century by Muhammad Ali Pasha and served as the royal residence until the 1952 revolution. The palace is now open to the public and contains a collection of artifacts and furnishings from the royal family.
National Military Museum: The National Military Museum is located within the Citadel and contains a collection of weapons, uniforms, and artifacts from Egypt's military history. The museum includes exhibits on the ancient Egyptian army, the Islamic conquest of Egypt, and modern military history.
Views of Cairo: The Citadel offers stunning views of Cairo and the surrounding areas. Visitors can climb to the top of the fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Nile River, and the surrounding desert.
Visiting the Citadel: The Citadel is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and a guided tour is recommended to learn about the history and significance of the fortress and its buildings.