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Fortress · Cairo, Cairo
Citadel of Saladin
Medieval fortress on the Muqattam hill, built by Saladin in the 12th century, containing the Mosque of Muhammad Ali with domes and minarets, and views over Cairo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Citadel of Saladin
The Citadel sits on a spur of the Muqattam hill above Islamic Cairo. Saladin began building it around 1176 to defend the city, and it was the seat of government in Egypt for about 700 years, from the Ayyubid and Mamluk sultans to Ottoman rulers and Muhammad Ali.
The most visible building is the 19th-century Mosque of Muhammad Ali, called the Alabaster Mosque for its wall cladding, with a large central dome and two slender minarets that define the city skyline. Within the walls are also the 14th-century Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad and museums such as the Military Museum.
From the terraces you can see Islamic Cairo, peppered with minarets, and on clear days the outline of the pyramids to the west.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
In the morning, for the light over the city; on clear days the view reaches the pyramids.
How to get there
By taxi, about 4 km from the center. The entrance is at the top on Salah Salem Road.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai mosques just below the Citadel.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Citadel of Saladin
What is there to see at the Cairo Citadel?
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad, the museums and the terraces with views over Islamic Cairo.
Who built the Cairo Citadel?
Saladin, starting around 1176. It was Egypt’s seat of government for about 700 years.
Why is it called the Alabaster Mosque?
Because the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, built in the 19th century within the Citadel, has walls lined with alabaster.