Egyptian Citadel: An Ancient Architectural Wonder

Egypt, the very name conjures up images of imposing structures like the Sphinx and the Pyramids, with a history that is steeped in tradition and a culture that is as old as human civilization itself. It is no wonder that thousands of tourists flock to Visit Egypt every year to experience its rich cultural and architectural traditions. The Citadel of Saladin is one such place of immense tourist attraction. Located on a spur of limestone belonging to the Moqattam Hills, it comprises the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, the famous ruler of Egypt and founder of the Egyptian monarchy.

The Citadel of Cairo was built by the order of a lieutenant of the Ayyubid ruler Salah al-Din between 1166-1207 as a royal residence and military bastion. Over the course of its long history from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries, the Citadel has been reorganized and enlarged in six major stages. It is one of the world’s greatest mediaeval monuments and offers a fantastic panoramic view of Cairo in a fort setting rich in history.

With Egypt Travel Guide, you will find the following attractions within the Citadel: Al-Gawhara (Jewel) Palace, Mohammed Ali Mosque, Police Museum, Sultan Al-Nasser Mosque, Military Museum, Carriage Museum, Suleiman Pasha Mosque and Bir Youssef (Youssef's well). Nothing remains of the original fortress except a part of the walls, towers, enclosure walls and Bir Yusuf, the well that supplied the Citadel with water. The Ayyubid walls that circle the northern enclosure are 33 ft tall and 10 ft thick and were built with the experience gleaned from the Crusade wars. The Muhammad Ali Mosque or Alabaster Mosque is the most noticeable structure of the Citadel. The outside features an alabaster façade and the interior attempts to weld Middle Eastern and French rococo styles, finished in ornate lines of red, green, and gold. Behind this mosque stands a beautifully crafted 14th century monument of elegant proportions the Mosque of Muhammad Al Nasser Ibn Kalaoun, a Mamluk Sultan.

No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip to the Citadel. We at STI Travel understand this truth and make Egypt Affordable by offering a wide range of travel packages to this historic site. From the top of this location you will be able to admire amazing landscape of the entire city. For more information on travel packages to the Citadel, Egyptian Museum Tours, Egypt Vacation Packages, Egypt Travel Packages, please visit our website http://sti-travel.com/cruisepage.php.