Saladin Citadel

This place was an unexpected delight. So much to see. And if course the views once the sky had cleared all the way to the pyramids. The fortifications, the mosque and court...it's all spectacular. And the view to the sandstone hills beyond are great. Then of course there's the police museum and and military museum included...leave half a day or more to truely do this complex justice!!!

STANDING BEFORE CENTURIES: THE MAJESTIC POWER OF FORTRESS THAT COMMANDS RESPECT Even from the outside, this historic fortress leaves a deep and lasting impression. Approaching the massive stone walls, one immediately senses the scale, strength, and authority the structure must have projected for centuries. The height of the fortifications, the thickness of the walls, and the commanding hilltop position create an atmosphere of awe and historical reverence. Although we could not go inside, simply viewing the monument from the exterior was a memorable experience. The grand domes and slender minarets rising above the fortified walls create a striking visual contrast between military strength and architectural elegance. The structure seems to narrate stories of rulers, battles, and empires that shaped the region’s history. The surroundings add to the experience — the open space outside allows visitors to fully appreciate the size and design of the complex. Watching the sunlight fall on the ancient stone gives a sense of timelessness. This is one of those rare places where even a brief external visit feels meaningful. It inspires curiosity, respect for history, and admiration for the engineering and vision of past civilizations. Definitely a landmark worth seeing, even if only from the outside.

Its an absolute chaos to enter, doesn't matter how proud egyptians are of the citadel. Five electric gates, but only one for foreigners, and they don't tell you that while you are being shoved around in the crowd. Absolutely no crowd control, no line system. You will get to the gate, try to scan your ticket, i will not work. Someone out of at least 10 staff that look visibility bored will come up eventually and point out that you are a foreigner, yet this is the gate for Egyptians only. And when you will ask if the next gate allows foreigners he will walk away without answering. No directions are posted inside. You will have to figure out where what is. The mosque is a one way syst, but you will find out only after walking around, "exit only" someone will say. Because putting a sign out would make it too convenient for people visiting. Someone at the toilets will ask for money for toilet paper, have a tissue in you handbag and ignore them. Overall not sure if it's worth visiting. The mosque interior is pretty, but nothing impressive. If you do go, get an online ticket, because the ticket office seemed down right agresive

The mosque was spectacular. We were really blessed to see that. Also the fortress looks good. We really didn't care about the military museum but it was in the palaces so we were delighted to see them too.

The Saladin Citadel was an truly astonishing monument and easily one of the highlights of our trip to Cairo. The engineering brilliance on display is staggering, particularly the Mosque of Muhammad Ali inside. Even having seen the Taj Mahal, I found this mosque to be one of the most exquisite marvels of history I have ever witnessed. While it is a bit of a blow to the site's "authenticity" to know that many of the stones were repurposed (or as we heard, "stolen") from the Giza pyramids, one must remember that this was the norm in those days—where the rule of law was simply the rule of the powerful. The visitor experience was a mix of modern convenience and old-world "hustle." Despite the crowds at the entrance, ticketing was relatively easy. It is important for future visitors to know that paying with a credit card is much easier than tendering cash, as the site has moved toward a cashless system. However, be wary once you are inside. The government-approved electric golf carts are run by men who, in my experience, will try to scam you. They pressure you to pay an upfront "tip"; I strongly advise against this. If you pay them at the start, they often stop showing up for you. You have to "keep it interesting" and make them feel that a reward is coming at the end to ensure they actually provide the service. The National Military Museum was also fascinating, specifically the collection of ancient USSR weaponry and aircraft. However, the presentation felt a bit like a "propaganda machine"—the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nationalistic messaging was a bit of an overkill. Even here, the issue of solicitation persists; a cop at the entrance blatantly asked me for a "tip." I had to remind him that in most countries, giving a "tip" to a police officer is regarded as a bribe, which finally made him walk away.

Great views of the city. If you've been on a tour, it's "been that done that" The Cairo Citadel was built on the orders of Saladin between 1176 and 1183 to protect the city from European attacks. Today, it's one of Cairo's main tourist attractions and offers privileged views of the city.

We visited the Citadel of Saladin on 19th October 2025, reaching around 2:00 PM during our Egypt trip from India. The entry ticket cost EGP 550 per person, and we chose a buddy ride (battery-operated car) for EGP 500 (for 3 persons) — highly recommended, as the fort complex is vast and built on a hilltop. The Citadel is a magnificent historic fortress offering a panoramic view of Cairo. Inside, we explored impressive military exhibits, including fighter planes, tanks, and missiles, which reflect Egypt’s strong military heritage. We also had a delightful interaction with a group of Egyptian schoolboys — cheerful, friendly, and curious — which added a warm local touch to our experience. A highlight of our visit was the stunning mosque inside the Citadel. Entry required covering our shoes (EGP 5 each), and the interior was truly breathtaking — peaceful, beautifully designed, and full of spiritual charm. ✅ Ambiance: ★★★★★ ✅ Administration: ★★★★★ ✅ Staff Behaviour: ★★★★★ Clean surroundings, well-maintained pathways, and courteous staff made the visit memorable. We spent about 1.5 hours, but history lovers could easily spend more time exploring. 💡 Tips for Visitors: Carry a cap or hat — it gets sunny on the hill. Opt for the buddy ride if visiting with family or kids. Cards are widely accepted at the ticket counter. A must-visit landmark in Cairo — combining history, architecture, and heritage in one majestic place. Highly recommended!

Last November 1st,2025, my friends and I returned to El Cairo from Aswan. We continued our tour visiting Old Cairo with Farouk who is a knowledgeable guide. He answered all of our questions. The Citadel of Cairo, is a medieval Islamic-era, built by Salah ad-Din (Saladin) in 1176. It's situated on the Mokattam hills, with spectacular city view. The Citadel served as one of the oldest military fortresses built in the Middle Ages. Also, served as the seat of government and residence of rulers for nearly 700 years. The Citadel features stunning mosques like the Muhammad Ali Mosque and Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque. The fort provided protection against any attack. It's worth the visit.