Saladin Citadel

Salah Al-Din’s (Saladin) Citadel is one of the most iconic monuments in Islamic Cairo, and among the most opulent defensive fortresses dating to the middle Ages. Its strategic location offers unrestricted panoramic view to historic Cairo. A fortified wall once enclosed the Citadel and historical Islamic cities, and acted as additional protection against sieges.

The Sultan of Egypt, Salah El Din Al-Ayyubi, was the first to order the construction of the fortress over the Muqattam Hill (566-589 A.H /1171-1193 A.D); it was not however completed during his lifetime. The Citadel was completed under Sultan Kamel Ibn Al-Adel (604 A.H /1207A.D) who decided to reside in it making it the official residence of the rulers of Egypt. In the mid-19th Century, Khedieve Ismail moved the official residence to Abdeen Palace.

The Citadel acted as a backdrop to some of the most significant historical events in Egypt since then and till the end of Mohamed Ali dynasty. Many monuments were added to the Citadel over the centuries providing visitors today with an array of places to visit, including historical mosques such as; Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque, Al-Nasser Mohammed Ibn Qalawun Mosque, Sulaiman Pasha Al-Khadem Mosque, as well as a number of museums such as Police Museum, Al Jawhara Palace Museum, Royal Vehicle Museum and Military Museum.