The Citadel

The Citadel of Cairo, also known as the Citadel of Saladin, is a medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, Egypt. It was built by Salah ad-Din (Saladin) in 1176 and further developed by subsequent Egyptian rulers. The citadel was the seat of government in Egypt and the residence of its rulers for nearly 700 years. It is located on a promontory of the Mokattam hills near the center of Cairo, commanding a strategic position overlooking the city and dominating its skyline. The citadel has undergone numerous renovations and rearrangements over the centuries, including major developments during the Mamluk Sultanate and the construction of new palaces and monuments by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the 19th century. Today, it is a preserved historic site, including mosques and museums, and is part of the World Heritage Site Historic Cairo