The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

When we think of the word citadel, the fortress of Saladin (which we simply know as the Cairo Citadel) seems to be the only one that springs to mind. The more clever ones among us might even think of the Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria, but that seems to be about the extent of it. But there is so much more to explore in Egypt when it comes to fortresses and citadels, and although they may not be as popular or easily accessed as the most famous two, they’re definitely worth a visit. Here are five citadels across Egypt that make for an amazing cultural trip.

Saladin Castle, Pharaoh’s Island

Image via Landious Travel

Pharaoh’s Island is located just off the coast of Taba, so if you’re spending your holidays there or going for a diving trip, a day tour of the island is a must. While the island is very small, it boasts an incredible fortress built by the Ayyubid Sultan Saladin, not to be mistaken with the Cairo Citadel, which is also named after the iconic monarch.

Shali Fortress, Siwa

Image via The National

Siwa is probably already on your bucket list of domestic travel destinations. This secluded area is absolutely stunning and completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city and is known for its wonderful and relaxing salt lakes. But we’ll give you another reason to go to Siwa: its Shali Fortress is a wondrous place to visit. The mud-brick fortress built in the 13th century is said to have been constructed from kershef, which is made of salt crystals from the area’s lakes mixed with clay. As you make your way there, you might find artisanal and fabric shops, which are great for souvenir shopping.

Al Quseir Citadel

Image via Enterprise News

Located in the Red Sea Governorate, the Quseir Citadel is a wonder to witness. We don’t tend to think of the Red Sea as a historical tourism destination, even though our love for the area’s beaches runs deep in our veins, but we’re here to change this. The governorate has militarily been a crucial area since the Pharaonic era and then into the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Islamic periods, and has maintained this vital importance. The Quseir fortress is an Ottoman building, showing just how historically diverse this area is – it’s not just for diving!

Al Gundi Citadel

Photography by Yasser Elrasoul

As one of the most powerful and influential leaders in Egyptian history, Saladin built his fair share of fortresses to deepen his military might during his rivalry with the Crusaders. Similarly to the Saladin Castle on Pharaoh Island, Al Gundi Citadel, which is also known as Al Pasha Citadel, was also built by Saladin in South Sinai. It is located about 65 kilometres away from Ras Sudr.

Abu Qir Castle

Image via Al Ahram

Located in Alexandria Governorate in the town of Abu Qir, the Abu Qir Castle dates back to the 19th century. An Islamic fortress, it was used by Viceroy Muhammad Ali Pasha as a state prison. Lesser known to the public because of the nearby Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria, it remains a beautiful sight to see, especially when you factor in its historical importance.