Explore Mosques in Citadel with Cairo Holidays

Cairo holidays are nothing without spending time at the Citadel. There are few museums that keep history lovers and religious people to the Citadel.

Citadel is one of the most important highlights in Cairo. While planning holidays to Cairo, you cannot ignore this site. There are few attractions that are quite important to the history and religious richness of Egypt. It is strategically located on the edge of the Moqqatam Hills. Therefore, while visiting the site, you can admire spectacular view of the southern part of the city. If you are visiting on a clear sunny day, you might find a glimpse of Pyramids.

Mosque of Mohammed Ali is one of the main highlights in the Citadel. Therefore, while spending holidays in Cairo, this site must be there on the list of attractions. Apart from this mosque, you would also come across two other mosques while walking around the site. Names of other two mosques are the mosque of Ahmed Katkhuda and the mosque of Sultan el-Nasir Mohammed. Former is located near Bab el-Azab and latter (a14th century structure) is located in the eastern side of the southern enclosure. Mosque of Mohammed Ali is among the most impressive religious structures that you would come across in the Citadel.

This mosque is also known as Alabaster Mosque. It was built between 1824 and 1857. At the right of the entrance, you would come across tomb of Mohammed Ali. The mosque also features a 52 meters high central dome. Apart from the central dome, there are four other smaller domes as well. These domes are lit by circular crystal chandeliers that have numerous lamps. On the eastern side of the mosque, you would find a pulpit to read the holy Koran.

Cairo holiday deals must have Mosque of el-Nasr Mohammed on the list of attractions. While spending time in the courtyard, you would come across arches, a fountain pavilion and domes. One of the most notable historical attractions in the site is ornate ‘gingerbread’ clock. King Luis-Philippe gifted this clock to Mohammed Ali in 1845. Exterior of the mosque feature magnificent minarets and huge domes.

On the southern side of the mosque, you would find majestic “Jewel Palace” or the Qasr el-Gawhara. It had been used as a museum that exhibited the jewels of Khedives post 1952 revolution. Even today it serves as a museum but now it displays number of royal portraits and furniture. More and more people have started spending time at this museums while enjoying Cairo holidays to take a look at the Joseph’s Wall located in the southern side of the mosque.