Overview
Saladin Citadel is located in Salah Salem in the heart of Old Cairo, and it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Egypt. The castle was built in 1183 AD by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi and was initially used as a defensive fortress and center for the administration of the country. Salah El-Din Citadel: The Citadel of Salah El-Din in Cairo is a castle built by the Muslim military leader Salah El-Din in the twelfth century to protect the city from the Crusader invasions. It was built on Mokattam Hill, a strategic location that provides a panoramic view of the city.Sights
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Salah El-Din Citadel is characterized by its ancient and archaeological character, and the castle includes a large number of museums and galleries that preserve the history of the ancient periods of Egyptian and Islamic civilization. The castle is distinguished by its high walls made of solid rocks and the Black Tower that overlooks the main gate of the castle. In addition to museums and galleries, the castle contains a large number of archaeological halls and rooms that contain a collection of historical relics, such as war equipment, stone and bronze statues of kings, and treasures. The castle is also surrounded by a wall of huge stones, the height of some parts of the wall is about 30 meters. The most important characteristic of the castle is Muhammed Ali Mosque, which is made of alabaster, a type of marble. The castle had a defensive wall of stone with towers and a deep river, and inside the castle there were royal halls, mosques and other important buildings. For a long time, it was one of the most impressive structures in Cairo and was the main center of government and political intrigue in Egypt. Over the years, the Citadel of Saladin in Cairo has witnessed many conflicts and has undergone many renovations and restorations. In the 19th century, the leader of Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha, turned the Citadel into his official residence and built new buildings within, such as the Gawhara Palace and the magnificent Muhammad Ali Mosque, which today are two of the Citadel's most popular tourist destinations. Today, Saladin Citadel in Cairo is one of the most important historical and touristic places in the city and has turned into a cultural and educational center that includes a number of museums and traditional arts and crafts centers. It has been registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in recognition of its historical and cultural importance.