An unmissable landmark, the Citadel near Islamic Cairo was home to Egypt's rulers for 700 years. With great city views - and breeze - the huge fortress contains mosques, palaces and museums including the white marble Mohammed Ali Mosque.
This landmark was initially used for its views of the city, and was only fortified between 1176 and 1183 AD by Saladin to protect it from the Crusaders.
Due to its strategic position, over the years the Citadel has been partly destroyed and modified by almost every invader. However, much of what is left today reflects the influence of the Ottoman empire, which controlled Egypt between 1517 and the early 20th century.
The Ottomans rebuilt the wall that separates the northern and southern enclosures, as well as the Bab al-Azab, the fortified gate located opposite the Akhur Mosque. They also built the 25-metre Burg al-Muqattam tower rising above the entrance - the tallest tower of this centuries-old bastion. In 1805 Ottoman Muhammad Ali Pasha, one of the great builders of Modern Egypt, made further changes and ordered the construction of his Mohammed Ali Mosque, today Cairo's most dramatic feature.
Please note that access on Fridays is strictly reserved for prayers only.