February 15, 2025 12:34 am

Salah Ad-din citadel in Cairo was founded by Salah Ad-din in 1168, and it was completed by his nephew King Al-Aadel. It is located on a high hill named Moqqattam overlooks the old city of Cairo from the eastern side. Salah Ad-din was the ruler over Egypt for 24 years, he is very well known for his victory against the Crusaders who were defeated in the battle of Hattin. The citadel is a large fortified area, the enclosure wall supported with huge rounded and square archers’ towers.

Salah Ad-Din Citadel in Cairo: Exploring an Iconic Monument of Egypt

The Salah Ad-Din Citadel in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in the country, steeped in profound cultural and historical significance. This impressive fortress, also known as the Cairo Citadel, is perched on a hilltop and overlooks the city of Cairo. With its long and storied history, Salah Ad-Din Citadel is a must-visit site for anyone interested in Egyptian history and architecture.

Salah Al Din Citadel Tour
Salah Al Din Citadel Tour

History of Salah Ad-Din Citadel

Commissioned by the Muslim warrior, Salah Ad-din al-Ayyubi, during the time of the Ayyubid dynasty in 1176, Salah Ad-Din Citadel was built to protect the city of Cairo from Crusaders. Thus, serving as an essential defensive monument, it quickly became a symbol of Egyptian power. The citadel underwent several significant changes and renovations over the centuries, making it an impressive structure by incorporating various architectural styles.

The Architecture of The Citadel

The Citadel boasts a unique blend of architectural styles that have evolved with successive occupants. The original structure of the citadel was built during the Fatimid dynasty and was later influenced by the Mamluk and Ottoman era designs. The complex features two principal gates, the Bab al-Azab and the Bab an-Nasr, leading to the upper courtyard. The Salah Ad-din Mosque, situated on a higher elevation, is the most significant structure in the complex and promises unforgettable views of the surrounding areas. The mosque features remarkable geometric patterns and intricate calligraphy that reflect the Ayyubid era’s artistic and architectural styles.

Muhammad Ali Alabaster Mosque and Salah Al Din's Citadel Tour
Muhammad Ali Alabaster Mosque and Salah Al Din’s Citadel Tour

Apart from the Mohamed Ali Mosque, the citadel features numerous other fascinating structures. The Military Museum is one of the most notable attractions in the complex, featuring several exhibits that showcase Egypt’s military history, ancient weapons, uniforms, and medals. The complex also houses several other buildings such as the Suleiman Pasha al-Faransawi Mosque, showcasing impressive Ottoman-style architecture, and the Gawhara Palace, notable for its intricate decorations.

Visiting Salah Ad-Din Citadel

Any visitor to the Citadel is in for a treat, as the site offers a unique opportunity to experience Egypt’s rich history and culture firsthand. The complex’s impressive architectural design and historical significance offer an unforgettable learning experience for visitors.

You can start your tour of the Citadel with a visit to the Salah Ad-din Mosque, the most

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Salah Ad-din Citadel in Cairo

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Amazing tour to the pyramids of Sakkara and Dahshur

January 1, 2025

This week we had a great tour with Mohamed to the pyramids of Sakkara and Dahshur as well as Memphis. He tailored the tour to our preferences, took a lot of time with us and gave us detailed background information on everything. It was also great that he never tired of taking the time to answer our many questions.

You can definitely tell that he has studied Egyptology as he has a very deep understanding of the subject and can explain everything well. He also speaks perfect English and is really good driver.

We would definitely book a tour with him again in a heartbeat and would recommend him to anyone. 🙂

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Christina Gaedcke

Amazing Egypt Fun Tours

December 22, 2024

Highly Recommend Egypt Fun Tours!

Several weeks ago, I reached out to Egypt Fun Tours regarding a 9-hour layover in Cairo. From the very beginning, Hani Ahmed was responsive and professional, quickly providing a well-organized itinerary tailored to our limited time. The itinerary included a visit to the pyramids, other historical sites, a delicious dinner, and even a quick stop for souvenir shopping.

Upon arrival, Gilman efficiently assisted us in obtaining our day tourist visas (note: $25 per person in cash). She then introduced us to our guide, Mydo, who was absolutely phenomenal! Mydo’s knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to adjust the tour to our pace made the experience unforgettable.

We returned to the airport with plenty of time to relax before our flight. The entire experience was smooth, stress-free, and incredibly memorable. Egypt Fun Tours offers reasonable prices for a private, customized experience that truly exceeds expectations. Thank you, Egypt Fun Tours! We will definitely use your services again in the future.

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Miguel R

Alexandria! Wow!

November 7, 2024

Muhammad is the best! He showed me a world I never thought possible! The tombs in Alexandria by far was my favorite! I never knew there was a place on earth that contained both Greek and Egyptian carvings in the same tombs! The history and culture of Egypt is so fascinating! I highly recommend booking with Muhammad!

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James Risenhoover

Tour of Cairo

November 4, 2024

Despite a late start due to car trouble, Mohamed more than made up for it with his incredible knowledge and dedication. His explanations were detailed and thoughtful, and he went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. A memorable and informative tour, thanks to Mohamed’s hard work!

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Sebastian

AMAZING TOUR, SOLO TRAVELER.

October 12, 2024

I am a California woman who traveled to Egypt alone and thanks to Egypt Fun Tours I had a great time. Hani, Mohammed, Kamal and David (my driver) were very professional and very knowledgeable, I appreciate how respectful they were and how protective they were with me.

They show me everything I wanted to see in Cairo and nearby places like Saqqara, Memphis, etc. Thanks to them I had a great time in Egypt, they were so so helpful than on my second day they helped me to move from my hotel in Giza to the Steigenberger hotel in downtown Cairo.

The tour price is super good includes a guide (expert in the field) a driver, lunch and drinks, they took me to amazing places for lunch, the food was super super delicious, for a foodie like me that was a highlight. We went out fo the tourist traps and I got to see the Cairo that if you are in a bus tour you will never get to see.

This tour is personalized for each person depending of what you want to see and do, I absolutely love it.

I used WhatsApp to communicate with Hani and arranged all my tours, Hani was super super nice since the moment I contacted him and explained him what I wanted to do and see.

Hani and his group mesmerized me with the tours they put together, this is a memory I will keep for lifetime.

I had only good things to say about them and I highly recommend them.

I did visit the pyramids in Giza, downtown Cairo, new Cairo, several museums, Coptic Cairo and Muslim Cairo with them and I learned a lot from them, I felt like they were family to me and it was EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT.

If I go back to Egypt I will hire them again without hesitation.

David I take my hat off for you because I have NO IDEA how you can drive in crazy Cairo, thanks to all of you for making this lady’s dream a reality.

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Ladylalique - California
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