Facts about Salah El-Din Citadel
The Salah El Din Citadel is a must-see attraction in Egypt for anyone visitors during their Egypt tours. It is an ancient wonder created in the 12th century by Salah el-din, Egypt's first ruler.The Cairo Citadel or Citadel of Saladin is perched on a hill overlooking the city. The fortification was built to defend Cairo from Crusader assaults. It is fortified with a moat, walls, and towers.
Explore our Egypt Luxury tours to the citadel, there are mosques, museums, and gardens. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is the most well-known mosque in the citadel. It is the largest mosque in the citadel. Inside the mosque that is included in our Egypt travel packages, there are many beautiful paintings and mosaics. Visiting the Salah El Din Citadel is a great way to enjoy your Classic tours in Egypt and learn about Cairo’s history.
The importance of Salah El-Din Citadel
The citadel served as both a military stronghold and a royal palace. It was the scene of many important events in Egyptian history, including the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte's army in 1798. You can take advantage of your presence in the city of Cairo and take a day tour in a desert safari in pyramids, to try a new adventure like Quad biking in the sand.
It is an imposing structure, with walls that are up to 40 feet thick in places. There are several mosques and museums within the Citadel complex, as well as a famous clock tower. The views from the top of the Citadel are stunning, and it is well worth spending a few hours exploring this ancient wonder in our Egypt day tours.
The History of Salah El-Din Citadel
The site was first fortified by the Ayyubid Sultan Salah al-Din in 1176 CE, and later served as the seat of government for the Mamluk and Ottoman rulers of Egypt. The Citadel is now a major tourist attraction that is included in our Egypt budget tours and houses several museums and mosques.
The origins of the Citadel date back to 969 CE, when the Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz li-Din Allah built a fortress on the site to protect Egypt from Bedouin raiders. The fortress was expanded by subsequent rulers, but it was Saladin who made the most significant additions.
He erected walls and towers around the perimeter and built two mosques within the complex, one for public use and one for his own private worship. All this historical information about Salah El Din Citadel will be clear and relevant during our Cairo day tours.
In 1874 CE, Khedive Ismail ordered a massive expansion and renovation project, which added new buildings such as a library, hospital, and school to the complex. Today, much of the Citadel still retains its original medieval character. Do not miss follow our Egypt online tour blogs to be more updated and educated about the Salah El din Citadel.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is the largest mosque in Cairo and the centerpiece of the Citadel complex. The mosque was built in 1828 by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt from 1805 to 1849.during our Egypt spiritual tours you will discover the architecture of the Mosque, it has four minarets and a large dome. The interior of the mosque is decorated with marble and stained glass.
The Al-Gawhara palace was used as a residence for Egyptian royalty until 1952. The palace complex includes a harem, a throne room, and an outdoor pool. Today, the palace houses a museum that displays objects from the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha.If you are a person interested in Egyptian antiquities, I advise you to book our Egypt Christmas tours to Cairo in order to enjoy this historical beauty and the view of the Citadel.
How to Get to Salah El-Din Citadel
To get to Salah El Din Citadel, visitors can take a taxi or bus from Cairo. The citadel is located on the outskirts of the city, so it is best to plan for your Egypt travel packages. Once at the citadel, there is plenty to see and do. The main sight is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali,Other highlights include the Alabaster Mosque, the Islamic Museum, and the many gardens and courtyards within the walls of the citadel.
Conclusion
The Salah El Din Citadel is one of Cairo's most ancient and treasured landmarks. For centuries, it has been a symbol of the city's strength and resilience, standing as a testament to its rich history. Today, the Citadel is open to visitors from all over the world, who come to marvel at its beauty and learn about its fascinating past. If you're ever in Cairo, be sure to add the Citadel to your Egypt trips sights!
