Cairo Citadel, Medieval Islamic fortification on Mount Muqattam, Egypt
The fortress includes massive defensive walls measuring 3 meters thick and towers reaching heights of up to 20 meters above ground level.
Construction began under Sultan Saladin in 1176 CE on Mount Muqattam, with completion achieved under Sultan Al-Kamil in 1207 CE.
The complex contains three main mosques: Muhammad Ali Mosque, An-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, and Suleiman Pasha Mosque, representing different architectural periods.
The citadel opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with separate ticket prices for foreign visitors and Egyptian nationals.
The structure served as Egypt's seat of government from the 13th century until the 19th century when Khedive Ismail moved to Abdeen Palace.
Location: Cairo Governorate
Inception: 1176
Official opening: 1183
Part of: Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, The Citadel Area, The Fatimid Nucleus of Cairo, Necropolis
Address: Al Abageyah, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate 4252360, Egypt 4252360
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-16:30
Phone: +20225121735
Website: https://egymonuments.gov.eg/ar/archaeological-sites/cairo-citadel
GPS coordinates: 30.02940,31.26140
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:59
Cairo is home to millennia of history. The Giza Pyramids, built between 2686 and 2494 BC, stand alongside Fatimid mosques like the Ibn Tulun Mosque from 879, and Mamluk fortifications such as Saladin's Citadel from the 12th century. Religious heritage reflects community diversity: Saint Serge Church dates to the 4th century, while Sainte-Marie Church from the 7th century reuses elements of the Roman fortress of Babylon. The Cairo Museum, opened in 1902, displays over 120,000 archaeological artifacts including Tutankhamun’s burial mask. Khan Al-Khalili market, established in 1382, continues traditional trade along its alleys lined with spice and craft shops. The Gayer Anderson House exemplifies 16th-century Ottoman residential architecture. These sites span Egypt’s history from pharaonic antiquity to the Ottoman period.
Sayeda Aisha Mosque
688 m
Muhammad Ali Mosque
184 m
Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
532 m
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
591 m
Al-Gawhara Palace
258 m
Cairo Citadel Clock
199 m
Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque
53 m
Egyptian National Military Museum
0 m
Aqsunqur Mosque
755 m
Mausoleum of Sayyida Ruqayya
1 km
Qanibay Al Ramah Mosque
459 m
Juyushi Mosque
1.1 km
Bayt Al-Razzaz palace
926 m
Madrasa of Sarghatmish
981 m
Mosque of al-Mahmudiya
457 m
Amir Khayrbak Funerary Complex
686 m
Mausoleum of Shajarat al-Durr
972 m
Maristan of al-Mu'ayyad
421 m
Al-Sultaniyya
631 m
Mosque and Khanqah of Shaykhu
824 m
Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban
880 m
National Police Museum
174 m
Palace of Yashbak
730 m
Mathaf Mustafa Kamil
391 m
Mausoleum of Tarabay al-Sharifi
557 m
Mosque of Qanibay al-Muhammadi
720 m
Al-Burdayni Mosque
827 m
Sabil-kuttab of Qaytbay
651 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes