Overview of Cairo Citadel Egypt

Are you considering a Cairo tour to a significant historical landmark like the Cairo Citadel Egypt? This article will be your complete guide, providing all the details you need if you’re planning a visit.

This guide won’t just tell you what to see at the Citadel of Saladin Cairo, beyond the famous Muhammad Ali Mosque Cairo. It will also reveal the hidden gems that not all visitors discover with the help of a local guide Cairo.

The Citadel Saladin Cairo stands as a miniature model of what Egyptian cities looked like during Salah El-Din’s era and the succeeding dynasties. 

It vividly showcases the advanced development of Islamic civilization, reflected clearly in the architectural drawings and engravings found throughout the Citadel Cairo Egypt and on its mosques.

In this article, I’ll take you on a comprehensive tour, covering everything you need to know about the Cairo Citadel Egypt, including visiting hours, ticket prices, and its most prominent landmarks and hidden treasures, as follows:

1. Why The Citadel of Saladin Cairo Still Matters?
2. Full Guide To Visit Citadel Saladin Cairo
3. Cairo Citadel Ticket Price & Entry Info To Know Before You Go
4. The Crown of The Cairo Citadel: Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo
5. Other Citadel Cairo Egypt’s Hidden Architectural Treasures
6. Essential Tips for Visiting the Cairo Citadel Egypt Like a Pro

Get ready to embark on a journey through time and discover the Citadel Cairo like never before with Simsem App.

Why The Citadel of Saladin Cairo Still Matters?

Are you wondering why a visit to the Citadel of Saladin Cairo could be so valuable and important? Well, let me explain. 

The Citadel Cairo isn’t just a historical monument dating back to Salah El-Din’s reign, nor has it merely witnessed the rise and fall of various empires throughout history. 

It’s also unique because it represents a miniature city reflecting what ancient Egypt once was. Within its walls, you’ll find mosques, palaces, and ancient wells like Joseph’s Well.

If you’re on a Cairo tour, the Citadel offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and panoramic views, making it an essential stop in any travel itinerary.

History of The Citadel of Saladin Cairo

The Citadel of Saladin Cairo is a towering historical monument located atop Mokattam Mountain. 

Salah El-Din Al-Ayyubi laid the foundation stone for this citadel in 572 AH / 1176 AD. 

Although he couldn’t complete its construction, Sultan Al-Kamil ibn Al-Adil finished it after him. 

From that time onward, the Citadel of Saladin Cairo became the center of governance in Egypt, remaining so until the reign of Khedive Ismail, who moved the seat of government to Abdeen Palace in the Khedivian Cairo area.

Salah El-Din’s primary goal in constructing the Citadel of Saladin Cairo was to connect the two then-capital cities of Egypt: Cairo and Fustat. 

This link facilitated communication between the two cities and offered a comprehensive view of all surrounding areas. 

However, this connection wasn’t the sole objective; the Citadel Cairo’s strategic location held crucial defensive importance for both cities. 

Its position also ensured continued communication between the city and the Citadel of Saladin Cairo during sieges, making it the last stronghold of resistance if the city fell to the enemies.

Why You Should Visit The Citadel of Saladin Cairo?

The Citadel of Saladin Cairo stands as one of the oldest and most significant military fortresses built during the Middle Ages. 

Its unique strategic location offers a panoramic view of much of Old Cairo; you can even spot the Pyramids from the top of the Citadel Cairo. 

This prime location not only provides stunning vistas but also makes it easily accessible from most areas, further enhancing its importance. That’s why many travelers include it in their Cairo tour, often accompanied by a local guide Cairo to uncover its hidden stories.

The Citadel of Saladin Cairo is rich with numerous artifacts dating back to various Islamic eras, transforming it from a mere defensive stronghold into a fully integrated city. 

This city housed mosques, Sabil-Kuttabs (public fountains with Quranic schools), palaces, Diwans (governmental offices), military factories, a workshop for the Kaaba’s Kiswah (covering), and both military and civilian schools, among other structures. 

These features distinguished the Citadel of Saladin Cairo from other fortresses built during the medieval period worldwide.

Therefore, a visit to the Citadel Cairo is an excellent opportunity to learn about the successive Islamic civilizations since Salah El-Din’s era. 

You’ll discover their cultures firsthand, their intricate construction methods, and the advanced level of architecture and engineering they achieved at that time.

To fully know the importance of the Citadel of Saladin Cairo, Let tour guides from Simsem App help you design your tours.

Full Guide To Visit Citadel Saladin Cairo

If you’re looking for important information about Citadel Saladin Cairo, including how to get there and the best times to visit, this guide has you covered. 

We’ll explore convenient transportation options, whether you prefer the ease of ride-sharing or the adventure of public transport, and pinpoint the ideal hours for your visit, allowing you to maximize your experience while avoiding crowds.

More importantly, this guide will delve into the hidden gems you absolutely must see within the Citadel Saladin Cairo, going beyond the well-known mosques and museums. 

What are the Best Times To Visit Citadel Saladin Cairo?

Citadel Saladin Cairo is open to visitors every day of the week, with no weekly or annual holidays. 

During the summer months, the Citadel welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In the winter months, its gates open earlier, at 8:00 AM.

To make the most of your visit and enjoy your tour of the Citadel Saladin Cairo, it’s highly recommended to start your tour early in the morning at 9:00 AM, right when it opens. 

This timing helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the attractions at your leisure. 

Another excellent option is to visit around sunset to capture unforgettable panoramic shots of Old Cairo, as the pyramids and the city sparkle under the golden sun.

How to Get To Citadel Saladin Cairo?

To reach the Citadel Saladin Cairo, you have several transportation options, varying in comfort and cost, to suit your preferences:

1. Ride-Sharing (Uber/Taxi): This is the easiest and most comfortable option. Due to the Citadel’s strategic location and its proximity to most key areas in Cairo, the ride cost won’t be excessive.
2. Metro and Public Transport: You can take the Metro to El-Malek El-Saleh Station, and from there, catch public transportation heading towards the Citadel Saladin Cairo. 

While this option is economical, it might be less comfortable, especially since you’ll need energy for exploring the large Citadel grounds.

1. Organized Hotel Tours: Many hotels offer sightseeing tours that include a visit to the Citadel. This option provides convenience in terms of organization and transport.
2. Booking Online Tours: You can also book a comprehensive tour to the Citadel through tour operators and specialized websites, such as “Simsem”.

What are the Hidden Gems of the Citadel Saladin Cairo?

When you visit the Citadel Saladin Cairo, don’t miss exploring these distinctive spots that reveal the grandeur of its history and architectural details:

• Panoramic Views from the Terrace: Enjoy breathtaking views of Cairo from the Citadel’s terrace. From here, you can see prominent landmarks like the Pyramids, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Al-Rifa’i Mosque, and Ibn Tulun Mosque, offering an unforgettable panoramic scene that blends past and present.
• Joseph’s Well (Bir Al-Dawama): Inside the Citadel Saladin Cairo, you’ll find Joseph’s Well, also known as “Bir Al-Dawama,” a living testament to Ayyubid engineering prowess. 

This astonishing well is 90 meters deep, with 85 meters drilled directly into the rock. 

It features a very unique design with its two sections that are not perfectly aligned but are roughly equal in depth, making it a surviving architectural and engineering masterpiece from the Ayyubid era.

• The Citadel Gates: The Citadel Saladin Cairo is fortified with massive walls and robust towers, featuring four main gates, each with its own story and unique design:

1. Al-Muqattam: Currently known as Salah Salem Gate, it is one of the oldest and most important gates.
2. Al-Gadid (The New Gate): Built by Muhammad Ali to facilitate the movement of cannons within the Citadel.
3. Al-Wastani (The Middle Gate): Also renovated by Muhammad Ali.
4. Al-Azab: Distinguished by its architectural grandeur and Gothic-like appearance, highlighting the Citadel’s historical and architectural significance.

• The Citadel Towers: The Citadel’s wall features 13 massive towers, designed to provide continuous protection for the soldiers and inhabitants. 

These towers include: Al-Muqattam, Al-Saffa, Al-Olwah, Karkilan, Al-Tarfa, Al-Matar, Al-Muballat, Al-Muqawser, Al-Imam (known as Qarafa Tower), Al-Ramla, Al-Haddad, Al-Sahraa, and Al-Murabba’. 

Want to know everything about your expected visit to the Citadel Saladin Cairo? Read this article to be fully aware or hire a local guide from Simsem App .

Cairo Citadel Ticket Price To Know Before You Go

To visit Salah El-Din Citadel, you can easily purchase your admission tickets either from the ticket counter at the Citadel itself or online through the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism’s official website.

Cairo Citadel Ticket Price:

• For foreigners: 550 Egyptian Pounds.
• For foreign students: 275 Egyptian Pounds (upon presenting a valid student ID).
• Children under 6 years old: Free entry.

This Cairo Citadel Ticket Price grants you access to all permissible areas within the Citadel, including the mosques, terraces, and towers. 

You should know that getting photos using your mobile phone is free of charge.

To navigate the vast grounds of the Citadel, you can use the Taf-Taf (tourist shuttle) available for just 10 Egyptian Pounds.

Want to know Cairo Citadel Ticket Price before you go? Consider hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.

The Crown of The Cairo Citadel: Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo

The Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo, famously known as the Alabaster Mosque, is located within the Citadel Cairo. 

Its construction was commissioned by Muhammad Ali in 1848 AD on the ruins of former Mamluk palaces.

And here is a list of reasons to why to should visit Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo:

• Architectural Masterpiece: The mosque is a truly unique architectural masterpiece. 

It boasts an exquisite Ottoman design, with its interior and exterior walls adorned with luxurious white alabaster, which earned it the name “Alabaster Mosque.” 

Its two towering minarets, each reaching 84 meters high, are the tallest in Egypt, lending it a majestic presence. 

Don’t miss visiting Muhammad Ali’s tomb, crafted from white marble, located inside the mosque.

• Historical Significance: This Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo represents a pivotal era in modern Egyptian history. 

It stands as a symbol of Muhammad Ali’s power and influence, as he was the one who ordered its construction. 

Further adding to its historical weight, in the Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo’s courtyard, you’ll find a brass tower housing a clock, which was a gift from France’s King Louis Philippe to Muhammad Ali, in exchange for the ancient Egyptian obelisk.

• Peaceful and Spiritual Atmosphere: Despite being a popular tourist attraction, the mosque maintains a remarkably peaceful and spiritual ambiance. 

This atmosphere allows visitors a unique opportunity for relaxing away from the city’s hustle, making for an unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience.

Interested in experiencing something new like visiting the Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo? Consider hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.

Other Citadel Cairo Egypt’s Hidden Architectural Treasures

Beyond the panoramic views and strategic gates, Citadel Cairo Egypt holds fascinating historical sites. 

Here’s a glimpse into some of its prominent structures:

Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

This mosque was the official Citadel Cairo Egypt mosque during the Mamluk era. 

Commissioned by Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun in 718 AH/1318 CE and rebuilt in 735 AH/1335 CE, it was meticulously cared for by subsequent Mamluk sultans and served the Citadel’s residents.

A standout architectural marvel, it features a central open courtyard, four porticoes, and two minarets with distinct green ceramic (Qashani) tile tops and dome, reflecting Islamic Eastern influences. 

Inside, the dome is adorned with Quranic verses and al-Nasir Muhammad’s name, while the intricately carved wooden minbar (pulpit) inlaid with ivory and mother-of-pearl bears King Farouk’s name.

Cairo Citadel Prison

Once a functional military facility, the Citadel Cairo Egypt housed various prisons throughout history, like the “Great Dungeon” (Al-Jubb Al-Kabir) – a deep, well-like pit. 

During the British occupation (1882 CE), parts of the Citadel, including some prisons, were used as military stores, leading to their destruction before being restored in 1948.

The current Citadel Cairo Egypt Prison Museum was established by Khedive Ismail in 1874 CE after moving the seat of government, and later expanded by Khedive Tawfik. After the 1952 revolution, the Military Police took charge. 

This prison became notorious for holding prominent public and political figures throughout the last century, eventually leading to its transformation into a museum.

The prison comprises a roughly 50-meter long corridor with cells divided into eastern and western sections. 

It also features recreated torture chambers with wax figures, like the infamous “Ring Room” designed by Frenchman “Lumin” in 1932 CE, inspired by a similar room in Paris’s Bastille Prison.

Mosque of Sulayman Pasha al-Khadim “Saraya al-Jabal Mosque”

This mosque, named after its founder, was built in 935 AH/1528 CE on the ruins of an older mosque. 

It’s significant as the first Ottoman-style mosque in Egypt, recognizable by its walled design, staircases, and a pointed, conical minaret. 

The prayer house is topped by a central dome, and the mosque boasts an exquisitely decorated marble pulpit. 

The courtyard includes canopies with shallow domes and even a sundial, along with the tomb of Abu Mansur Qasta.

Want to know what other places to visit in Citadel Cairo Egypt? Consider hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Cairo Citadel Egypt Like a Pro

To ensure you have the best possible experience when visiting Cairo Citadel Egypt, here are some important tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes: The Cairo Citadel Egypt is a large site with uneven paths in some areas, so comfortable shoes (like sneakers) are essential for exploring freely without fatigue.
• Bring water and sunscreen: Especially during Cairo’s hot summer months, you’ll need to stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun.
• Don’t forget your camera or a fully charged phone: The Cairo Citadel Egypt offers incredible photo opportunities and stunning panoramic views you won’t want to miss. Remember, mobile phone photography is free.
• Carry some cash: You might need it for admission tickets (if you haven’t purchased them online) or for buying souvenirs from vendors inside or around the Citadel.
• Wear light, comfortable clothing: This will allow you to move comfortably within the Citadel’s expansive grounds.
• Dress modestly and bring a head covering: It’s preferable to wear modest clothing. For women, it’s advisable to bring a head covering (scarf or shawl) to cover head when entering the mosques within the Citadel, out of respect for the sacred space.
• Allocate enough time: The Cairo Citadel Egypt is larger than it appears and contains many museums, mosques, and towers worth exploring. Set aside at least a few hours to cover the main attractions.
• Consider using the Taf-Taf: If you feel tired or want to conserve energy, you can use the available tourist shuttle (Taf-Taf) inside the Citadel to move between different areas for a small fee.
• Hire a guide: To deepen your understanding of the Citadel’s rich history and stories, hiring a tour guide might be a good idea.

Thinking that these tips of visiting the Cairo Citadel Egypt aren’t enough? Then start thinking of hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.