Cairo
Citadel (The)
Saladin's fortress
Salah Salem Highway
Cairo,
Phone: +20 2 512 9619
One of Cairo's major attractions, the massive Citadel complex dominates the city skyline. Built on a limestone spur by Salah al-Din (Saladin) in the 12th century, most of its features are associated with Mohammed Ali, the early 19th century leader who freed Egypt of the Mameluke yoke. The Citadel offers fantastic panoramic views of Islamic Cairo in a castle setting rich in history. Perhaps its most famous tale is of Mohammed Ali inviting 470 Mameluke leaders to a feast in the Citadel palace, only to have them trapped in a narrow passageway upon leaving and slaughtered by his men. Legend says only one Mameluke escaped by leaping the walls on his horse. Within the Citadel complex are the following attractions: Al-Gawhara (Jewel) Palace, Mohammed Ali Mosque, Police Museum, Sultan Al-Nasir Mosque, Military Museum, Carriage Museum, Archaeological Museum, Suleyman Pasha Mosque and Bab el-Azab.
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