Saladin Citadel is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cairo.
This is a medieval Islamic fortification located near the center of
Cairo where one can see mosques and museums. Even though this site was
firstly only a pavilion where people could walk and enjoy the light
wind. It was not before the 12th century that Salah ad-Din realized its
strategic importance
He fortified this area which later on served
properly in the defence against the Crusaders. Due to its importance the
Citadel was used as a fortress and a royal city. The walls that Saladin
built were 10m high and 3m thick. Saladin built a Well of Joseph in
order to supply the Citadel with water but after some time, after the
population grew and water was not sufficient for everyone, al-Nasir
Muhammad was forced to build water wheels on the Nile that were used to
supply the Citadel.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Mohamed Ali Pasha) is also located on the citadel, as well as Al-Nasir Muhammad Qala´un Mosque and the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha.
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