Saladin Citadel & Muhammad Ali Mosque

Description

Saladin Citadel is the largest fortification in the Middle East and still dominating Cairo’s skyline, al Qalaa stands on a spur of the al Muqattam hills. It was the royal residence for more than 700 years. The citadel was built in 1176 by Salah ad Din as part of his programme of fortifications against the Crusaders. The impressive walls still remain, but the original buildings were torn down first by Sultan al Nasir, whose striped mosque with faience minaret is the only reminder of that period. In the 19th century Muhammad Ali tore down more to build his mosque and palaces. 

The Muhammad Ali Mosque, built between 1824 and 1848 and modeled on Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Mosque, is more striking from a distance than close up. The interior is disappointing, but the views from the terrace are impressive. The clock in the courtyard was a gift from King Louis Philippe of France (1773-1850), given in return for the obelisk that now stands in Paris.

The Gawhara Palace houses a small museum of Muhammad Ali’s family belongings. Of the other museums, only the Carriage Museum and the bizarre National Police Museum are interesting.