The Saladin Citadel (also spelled Salah ad-Din), also known as the Cairo Citadel, is a monumental medieval fortification with a mosque, several museums and one of the most sought-after views of Cairo and the magnificent Mokattam rock formations.
The Citadel is an ideal place to visit as part of a walking tour of Islamic Cairo.
The fortress, the mosque and the museums
On a hill above the city, the fortified seat of Egypt's rulers dates back to the 12th century during the Islamic era and Sultan Saladin. The citadel served as the residence of the Egyptian rulers until the 19th century, which is why the whole area is exceptionally well-preserved and naturally contains many reconstructions and improvements.
The central landmark of the citadel is the magnificent Muhammad Ali Mosque from 1848 with a minaret reaching 82 metres high. As the entire citadel stands on a hill, the Muhammad Ali Mosque is one of Cairo's main landmarks.
You can enter the mosque at any time except prayer times and Fridays, when it is closed all day.
The entire citadel is surrounded by massive walls, which, especially on the south side, reach up to 60 metres high and are extremely well preserved, mostly dating from the early 18th century.
Three museums can also be visited within the complex:
- TheNational Military Museum of Egypt - the largest and most elaborate, including outdoor exhibits of tanks and aircraft, definitely worth a visit.
- Al-Gawahra Museum - a smaller museum of jewellery and valuables, which will not impress but will not offend either
- National Police Museum - the smallest exhibition, which you can walk through in 10 minutes and is rather a waste of time
A view of Cairo and the cliffs
The walls of the Saladin Citadel offer some of the most spectacular views of the city, with the minarets of Islamic Cairo rising in the foreground, while the Giza pyramids can be seen in the complete distance.
On the other side at the entrance, you get the best view of the very photogenic Mokattam cliffs.
Entrance fees and opening hours
The Cairo Citadel is open every day from 8:00-17:00. The interior of the mosque is not accessible on Fridays.
Admission is only for the entrance to the grounds, there is no further admission fee for individual museums or mosques.
- 450 egp - Adults
- 230 egp - Students with ISIC card
Payment can only be made in cash or online at the official website of the Ministry of Tourism: egymonuments.com/SalahElDin
How to get to the citadel?
The main entrance to the citadel can be found at the eastern end of the highway (i.e. further away from the centre), see the location on google.com/maps .
A taxi is always the most acceptable way to get there, and if you have available dates, definitely use Uber. This will set you back about 60 egp to 80 egp when going to Tahrir Square, depending on peak times.
A regular taxi will usually settle for between 70 egp and 90 egp. When travelling from the Citadel, avoid the taxi drivers waiting in the car park and flag down a taxi passing through the main road. You have a much better chance of negotiating a better price.
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