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Citadel (Al-Qalaa)

al-Qala'a | Shar'a Salih Salem, Cairo, Egypt
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Ranked #19 of 144 attractions in Cairo
Type: Architectural Buildings, Religious Sites, Military Bases/ Facilities, Historic Sites, Neighbourhoods
Activities: City walk sightseeing
Traveller Description: This massive stone fortress, begun by Salah ad-Din in 1176 was home to Egypt's rulers for 700 years.  Egypt's diverse heritage can be seen in the... more »
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143 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    68
    53
    18
    4
    0
Date Rating
Amarillo, Texas
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Although we did not have much time to spend here, it was well worth the visit. The views of Cairo iteslf is worth trekking to the top.

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See 2 more reviews by tdhill03 for Cairo
Cairo, Egypt
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

This is one of the most great Egyptian attractions that one must see, but I believe that it needs proper facilities for tourists such as : clean and decent toilets, nice cafes, good restaurants and trusted antique shops. I felt as going to a military castle due to the enormous number of security gates and soldiers . I only recommend... More

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See 11 more reviews by kazozo for Cairo
Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
9 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

The Citadel is a must see!!! The beautiful gardens are awesome. Take your time to walk around and see as much as you can. You won't be diappointed!

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See 10 more reviews by Patti M for Cairo
Chicago, Illinois
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Of the many mosques you might be exposed to in the Middle East, the one at the Citadel is one of the easiest to enjoy. It is qualified as a "tourist" mosque, so the restrictions are less. However, you should still dress and act respectfully. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.

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Boulder, Colorado
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013

The title gets to the point. This is a must see location in Cairo if for no other reason than the view. The mosques are very impressive architecturally. Pay a guide for a tour once you are there or do extensive research in advance so you can understand what you are seeing. I would still get the guide though since... More

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See 2 more reviews by CountinPlaces for Cairo
Essex
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
40 helpful votes 40 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013

Firstly as with all Egyptian tourist sights this also has the huge amount of peddlars who pounce on you like a pack of wolves waving ugly purses, postcards and beads and spoils the pleasure of your visit. However once you have run the gauntlet to the entrance door, remove your shoes and step inside. You can purchase from the door... More

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Athens, Greece
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
55 attraction reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

If you have a free day in your trip to Cairo don't forget to visit Citadel. We loved amazing Cairo city views from there. You'll see Mohammed Ali's Mosque, War musum and many other interesting buildings, museums etc....... There is a small shop outside of Mohamed Ali's Mosque where an old man makes fez.

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See 3 more reviews by Pelazi for Cairo
Cairo
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

Great views of Cairo from the terraces here, but don't go if its overcast or dusty as you wont see a thing. wait for a clear day to make the most of the views.

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See 7 more reviews by Cairo24 for Cairo
Harrogate
Top Contributor
139 reviews 139 reviews
37 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
80 helpful votes 80 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

Well worth seeing Ali mosque but u must not miss the wonderful military museum it's enormous!!! Full of loads of goodies ... The usual of course take water with u as its very expensive on site!!!

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See 30 more reviews by mchawkins1 for Cairo
Montreal, Canada
Top Contributor
139 reviews 139 reviews
84 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013

The Citadel is a must not just for the mosque, the museum, the view of the city but also for the cultural events performed there. I was there a year ago this year however I have been many many times over the last 20 years.

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See 10 more reviews by jewelofmontreal for Cairo

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