The Citadel sits on a spur of the Muqattam hills above the old city, the seat of Egypt’s rulers for some seven hundred years after Saladin began building it in the 1170s to defend Cairo against the Crusaders. Its skyline is defined by the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, finished in the mid-nineteenth century in Ottoman style, with a great central dome, slender minarets and walls clad in alabaster, which is why many call it the Alabaster Mosque. Inside the walls you also find the older Mamluk mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad, several museums including the Military Museum, and terraces with one of the best views in Cairo, stretching on clear days to the pyramids. One ticket covers the complex.
How it works: the Citadel is open daily from morning until mid-afternoon. Arrive by taxi or ride-hailing car at the main gate, buy your ticket and climb to the Muhammad Ali Mosque first.
What to expect: the mosque is an active place of worship, so dress modestly, remove shoes and expect to cover arms and legs; women should bring a scarf. The terraces are breezy and open, and the museums vary in upkeep.
Making the most of it: come in the morning, when the haze is lighter and the view stretches furthest. Afterwards drop down to the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai mosques at the foot of the hill, or carry on to Coptic Cairo or the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to the fortress, its mosques, museums and viewing terraces.
Best time
Morning, for the clearest views.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Dress modestly for the mosque, carry a scarf, and leave time for Sultan Hassan below the hill.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Views, Islamic architecture and the story of medieval Cairo.
- Families
- Open space, walls and cannons keep children interested.
- Couples
- A morning on the terraces looking out over the minarets.
- Pair with
- The NMEC and Al-Muizz Street.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Who built the Cairo Citadel?+
Saladin began the fortress in the 1170s, and it was the seat of Egypt’s rulers for centuries.
Why is it called the Alabaster Mosque?+
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali has walls clad in alabaster, which gives it that popular name.
What are the opening hours?+
The Citadel is open daily from 8:00 to 16:30, according to its ticket listing.
Is there a dress code?+
Yes, for the mosques: cover shoulders and knees and remove your shoes; women should bring a scarf.
Can you see the pyramids from the Citadel?+
On clear days, yes, far to the west across the city.
