Citadel & Mohammed Ali Mosque

The Citadel of Saladin (Qalʿat Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn) sits atop a hill overlooking Islamic Cairo and was the seat of Egyptian rulers for over 700 years (1183–1874). From here, Saladin ruled, the Mamluks reigned, and Mohammed Ali resided — the founder of modern Egypt.

Mohammed Ali Mosque (Alabaster Mosque)

The dominant structure of the Citadel is the Mohammed Ali Mosque (1830–1848), recognizable by its two slender minarets and large dome. It is built in the Ottoman style (inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul) and entirely clad in alabaster. The interior, with its chandeliers and carpets, is impressive. In the courtyard stands a clock sent as a gift by the French King Louis-Philippe — in exchange for the obelisk now on the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

Panoramic View

The real highlight of the Citadel is the panoramic view from the terrace: On a clear day (best in the morning or after a rainy day), you can see all of Cairo spread out at your feet — the minarets of the Islamic quarter, the Nile, and in the distance, the pyramids of Giza. However, most days, a haze hangs over the city.