Citadel · Ayyubid · 1176
A seat of power for centuries, now one of Cairo’s great viewpoints
Cairo
Saladin began building Cairo Citadel on the Muqattam hills in 1176, and it remained a seat of government for centuries. Within its walls are historic mosques, museums and courtyards, with the Mosque of Muhammad Ali as its most prominent landmark today.
Get to know this place
Citadel · Ayyubid · Built 1176
From the Mokattam heights, Cairo becomes a city you can read from a distance. Saladin began the Citadel in 1176 to defend his capital; his successors completed it, and it remained a seat of government for centuries before that role moved to Abdeen in the nineteenth century.
Inside the walls, buildings from different periods stand together, including the mosques of al-Nasir Muhammad and Muhammad Ali. The latter’s domes and minarets dominate the skyline. Between buildings and open courts, views over the city reveal why this elevated site suited both defence and the display of authority.
Details worth pausing for
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali and city views
The Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad
Citadel walls, courtyards and on-site museums
Hours, prices and practical details
Prices in EGP and subject to change. Confirm with the venue before visiting.
Tips and things to know
Arrive in the morning before the strongest sun and crowds.
Do not miss the viewpoints toward Sultan Hassan and historic Cairo.
Allow two to three hours for the mosques and museums.
Good to know
Address and directions
Salah Salem Road, Al-Qalaa, Al-Khalifa, Cairo
Nearest landmark: The Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa‘i Mosques
Nearest metro: Al-Sayeda Zeinab
A taxi or car to the Citadel gate via Salah Salem is easiest. From the metro, Sayyida Zeinab is a practical connection followed by a taxi.
Get directions ↗The places closest to Cairo Citadel, to make a day of it.
Sultan Hassan Mosque and MadrasaFour iwans around an open courtyard.600 m · about 8 min on foot
Al-Rifai MosqueRoyal burials in Mamluk-inspired architecture.700 m · about 9 min on foot
Amir Taz PalaceA palace courtyard with a present-day cultural role.950 m · about 13 min on foot
Distances and times are estimates from where each place sits on the map; the actual route may differ.
Stops close to each other, in an order we tried. Follow it as it is, or make it your own.
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis · CC BY-SA 2.0
A suggested route · Architecture
A day among Cairo’s grandest mosques: start with the Citadel’s view over the city, descend to Sultan Hassan and al-Rifai, and continue to the vast courtyard of Ibn Tulun and the Gayer-Anderson house.
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