On February 18, 2024, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa inaugurated the Ramla and Al-Haddad Towers at Cairo Citadel, following the completion of restoration works.
This opening of unique archaeological sites at the Citadel aims to promote the cultural heritage of Greater Cairo, strengthen the city’s tourist appeal, increase the average number of nights spent by tourists and encourage day trips.
The restoration of the two towers is part of the implementation of one of the axes of the National Tourism Development Strategy launched by the Minister, namely the improvement of the tourist experience for visitors.
The Ramla Tower, erected during the era of Sultan Al-Nasser Saladin Al-Ayyubi (1174-1193), is in the form of a three-quarter circle and consists of two floors. Each floor rests on a base having three perpendicular cubits, each provided with an arch.
During the reign of Sultan Al-Adil Al-Ayoubi (1200-1218), the tower was enlarged, the arches were transformed into door openings leading to rectangular rooms covered with vaults, each room ending in an opening of archer.
Al-Haddad Tower, one of the largest towers in the Citadel, also takes the shape of a three-quarter circle. It includes a vertical base with a shield in the middle covered with a cross vault. It has three cubits ending in decorated openings. Two of these openings then open onto two doors leading to a semi-circular corridor covered with cross vaults.
The Citadel has 12 other towers, currently closed to the public.
The restoration work on the two towers included cleaning the stones, replacing damaged stones, maintaining the stone stairs, installing balustrades to protect visitors, as well as renovating the stone floors with a view to integrate into the Citadel itinerary.