A Look at Saladin Citadel History

The Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, Egypt, founded by Saladin Ayyubi in 1176 AD to protect Cairo from its enemies, especially the Crusaders, and further developed by subsequent Egyptian rulers.

The historical Citadel is actually one of Egypt’s most fascinating structures. The structure is not only built into the side of a hill, but also sits on top of the second-longest plateau in Cairo, which spans four floors.

Saladin’s Citadel is located on a promontory of the Mokattam hills near the center of Cairo and commands a strategic position overlooking the city and dominating its skyline.

According to Egypt’s Ministry of Culture, the Citadel was Mamlouk and Ottoman Rulers' favorite place to stay. At the same time, Mohamed Ali Basha stayed there, a number of international singers presented their concerts, and Ibrahim Basha, the elder son of Mohamed Ali and one of the renowned leaders of the Egyptian army, was born in this landmark.

Nowadays, the iconic ancient castle is open to public visitors who can also buy affordable tickets to see the Great Mohamed Ali mosque and the historical army museum. For the latter, you can access over three miles of chambers and passageways.

Mohamed Ali Mosque

The grand Mohamed Ali Mosque located in the heart of the Salaa Eldin Citadel in the 18th century mirrors the domed silhouette of the Hagia Sophia standing across it and is one of only a handful of mosques in the world to boast of six minarets.

A great example of classical Ottoman architecture with its numerous domes, the mosque is an iconic fixture of the city’s landmarks.

Visitors must enter by the side entrance from the Castle passages which will take you past the courtyard. It is as large as the mosque’s interior and the largest among all Egypt's mosques!

National Military Museum

This iconic heritage site is one of the most famous historical forts and landmarks in the Citadel. It is an archaeological treasure known for its magnificent architecture, and imposing structure.

The National Military Museum is located in the northwestern area of the three Haram Palaces, inside the Cairo Citadel. It overlooks the Mokattam Hills and the entrance to the Citadel. The Haram Palaces were constructed by Mohamed Ali Pasha in 1872.

It featured Ottoman and Mohamed Ali Pasha Militaria Hall, the 1948 Arab, the Israeli War Hall, the 1952 Revolution Hall, and the 1956 Suez War Hall.