Citadel of Salah El-Din

• Address: Al Abageyah, Qesm Al Khalifah, Cairo Governorate
• Opening hours: 8:00-17:00
• Contact: +20-2-25121735
• Recommended playing time: 1.5h-2.5h
• Fee: 50 Egyptian pounds, half price with student ID

 

 

The Citadel of Saladin, located in Cairo, is one of Egypt's most important historical sites. Built in the 12th century by the famous Islamic ruler Saladin, it was built to defend against the Crusaders. The Citadel is known for its strong fortifications and unique architectural style, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which is known for its exquisite decoration and magnificent design. The Citadel's high position provides a magnificent view overlooking Cairo and is an ideal place to learn about Egyptian history and culture. Visitors can explore museums, ancient city walls and historical sites here and feel the strong historical atmosphere.

 

 

Highlights of the Saladin Citadel include:

Mohammed Ali Mosque: This magnificent mosque is known for its towering minarets and exquisite decorations, and is the landmark of the Citadel.

 

Saladin Castle Hall

 

History: Built in the 12th century, the Citadel has witnessed important historical events in Cairo and its surrounding areas and has a deep cultural background.

Magnificent views: The Citadel is located on a high point, offering a magnificent panoramic view overlooking Cairo and the Nile River, which is particularly suitable for taking photos.

 

A view of Cairo from Saladin Castle

 

Military architecture: The fortifications and wall design of the Citadel demonstrate the wisdom and craftsmanship of medieval military architecture.

Museum: There is a military museum inside, which displays a wealth of historical artifacts and military equipment, attracting history lovers.

Diverse cultural experiences: There are many small exhibitions and activities in the Citadel, allowing visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of Egypt's history and culture.

 

Background of the construction of Saladin Castle and its history

Background of the Crusades

In the 12th century, the Crusades became an important symbol of the conflict between European Christian countries and Islamic countries. In 1095, Pope Urban II launched the First Crusade with the goal of retaking Jerusalem. After several military campaigns, Jerusalem was captured by the Crusaders in 1099. This event not only intensified the confrontation between Christianity and Islam, but also prompted the Muslim world to begin to unite to resist foreign enemies.

 

The Rise of Saladin

Saladin (1137-1193) was a Kurdish Muslim ruler who rose rapidly in the Ayyubid dynasty to become the ruler of Egypt and Syria. In the process of unifying Egypt and Syria, he enhanced his status in the Muslim world through a series of military victories and political alliances. Saladin was not only an outstanding military commander, but also won the respect of the people with his tolerance and wisdom.

 

Needs and strategic considerations

Faced with the threat of the Crusaders, Saladin realized that he had to build a strong fortification to protect Cairo and the surrounding areas. He chose to build the castle on the high ground of Cairo, and the geographical location allowed the castle to overlook and monitor the surrounding movements. This strategic consideration ensured the effectiveness of the castle in defense, and it could also serve as a command center to coordinate the army's defense and counterattack.

 

Construction process

The construction of the Saladin Castle began in 1176 and lasted for many years. The design of the castle combines Islamic and Byzantine architectural styles, using local stone and bricks, with thick and tall walls, defense towers and gates. The internal structure of the castle includes barracks, armory, and the ruler's residence, forming a complete military base.

 

Importance and Influence

The Citadel of Saladin was not only the core of military defense, it also became a symbol of Saladin's rule, demonstrating the strength and unity of the Muslim world. The construction of the citadel helped Saladin to effectively organize and mobilize military forces, laying the foundation for his victory in the Battle of Hattin in 1187, and ultimately enabling him to successfully recapture Jerusalem.

 

When is the best time to visit Citadel of Saladin?

The best time to visit Saladin Citadel is usually in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These two seasons offer pleasant weather, suitable for outdoor activities, and relatively few tourists, making the experience more comfortable.

 

Summer (June to August) has higher temperatures and more tourists, which may be a bit crowded; winter (December to February) has fewer tourists but lower temperatures, which may affect the visit experience.

The best time to visit the Citadel of Saladin is in the morning or evening. In the morning, there are fewer people, so you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and fresh air, which is suitable for walking. In the evening, the sunset light is soft, perfect for taking photos, and the number of tourists gradually decreases, making the visit more comfortable. It is recommended to avoid the midday time, when the temperature is higher and the crowds are more.

 

How to go

1. Public Transportation

Bus: Look for local bus routes, which often have direct routes to the Citadel. You can find information on major cities' public transportation websites, including departure times and stops.

Subway: If you are in a large city, check the subway routes, which may have options for connecting with buses and then walking to the Citadel.

2. Taxi or rideshare

Taxi: Order a taxi on the street or by phone, and the driver will be familiar with the main attractions and can take you directly there.

Rideshare: Use a mobile app (such as Uber, Lyft, etc.) to enter your destination, and the system will provide a fare estimate and estimated arrival time. This method is convenient and comfortable, and is suitable for tourists with luggage.

Take a taxi and navigate to Citadel Saladin or Mohamed Ali mosque. The driver can usually only take you to the foot of the mountain, and you need to walk 5 minutes up the mountain to the entrance of the scenic area.

3.Self-driving tour

Car rental: There are many options for car rental in the city, make sure you understand the local traffic rules.

Parking: Once you arrive at the Citadel, look for clearly marked parking lots and make sure you park in permitted areas to avoid fines.

4. Tours

If you don't want to arrange your own itinerary, you can choose to join one of our tours. Our tour operators offer tours to the Citadel of Saladin, usually including transportation and guided tours.

*The specific ticket prices for the Saladin Castle may vary depending on the year and the changes in tourism policies. Generally speaking, the ticket prices are divided into the following categories:

 

*Note: You need to take off your shoes when entering the mosque. There will be a guy handing out shoe covers at the door. They are not free and cost 50 Egyptian pounds per person. You can choose not to buy them and just take off your shoes and enter with your hand.