Cairo Attractions
Description
Venue: Citadel When: Daily; not Fri
The Citadel, located on a spur of limestone belonging to the Moqattam Hills, is one of Cairo's most popular tourist attractions. Also called Mohamed Ali Citadel, because it contains the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, this landmark was initially used for its breeze and 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 can be seen today reflects the influence of the Ottoman empire, who controlled Egypt in one way or another between 1517 and the early 20th century.
Throughout the years 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 to the entire complex 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.
The Citadel, located on a spur of limestone belonging to the Moqattam Hills, is one of Cairo's most popular tourist attractions. Also called Mohamed Ali Citadel, because it contains the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, this landmark was initially used for its breeze and 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 can be seen today reflects the influence of the Ottoman empire, who controlled Egypt in one way or another between 1517 and the early 20th century.
Throughout the years 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 to the entire complex 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.
Cairo Information
Cairo Tourist Office
Address: Misr Travel Tower, Abbassia Square, Cairo, Egypt
Phone: +20 (0) 2 285 4509 or +20 (0) 2 284 1970
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Looking for things to do around Cairo? Here are some of the events and attractions happening in the area.
| Aida at Giza |
Oct 2008 (annual) Pyramids at Giza |
| International Yoga Festival |
May - Jun 2009 (annual) Pyramids at Giza |
| Pharaohs Rally |
Sep - Oct 2008 (annual) Cairo |
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