It is called the Citadel of Saladin but it is currently best known for the existence inside it’s medieval walls, of the famous Mosque of Mohamed Ali – the founder of modern Egypt and patriarch of the Mohamed Ali dynasty.
When I first visited Egypt I was lucky enough to have a full tour of the Military Museum – I can still remember some of the amazing pieces there. However, these days it is not always open – in fact it has never been open any time I have been there recently and I do hope it will be open during one of my tours as I long to see it again – though I believe some of the exhibits there have been changed.
Let’s go back to the beginning… Born into a world of opulence and splendor, As-Salih was raised within the grand palace of Saladin’s Citadel in Cairo, where the aroma of spices wafted up from the bazaar below the palace balconies, mixed with the seductive perfume of oils that snaked their way through the passageways surrounding the hammam every evening, and at night the alluring yet allusive scent from the jasmine trees filled the air. Colorful tapestries adorned every wall and the hallways danced with the shadows thrown from the skillfully crafted lantern. The palace halls and waiting chambers were always filled with travelers, ambassadors and scholars seeking audience with the Sultan. Read more….
Saladin’s (Salah El Din) Citadel Tour includes the following:
- Pick up from your hotel in air conditioned minibus
- Egyptologist Guide
- Mosque of Mohamed Ali
- Military Museum (if open)
- Carriage Museum (if open)
- Al Gawhara Palace (if open)
- Sultan Hassan Mosque
- Rifaii Mosque
- Drop off at your hotel
- NO EXTRAS TO PAY FOR
- Subject to Availability
NOTE – Currently there has been a lot of renovation ongoing within the Citadel and some attractions inside are closed from time to time, so until I am sure everything is permanently open again, I am only including the Citadel as part of the Islamic or Islamic & Coptic Tour, as opposed to a tour by itself, to ensure my guests are not feeling let down in not seeing enough at the Citadel.
Tour is bookable via email to Mara