Al-Gundi Fortress

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About 60 km to the east of the city of Ras Sedr lies El Gundi Fortress (Qalaat Al-Gindi or Jundi) which was erected by Saladin (Salah ad-Din) in 1165 AD . This fortification had a prominent role in the battles of this great Muslim leader . This archeological site comprises the ruins of a 12th-century fort built in a strategic location where three caravan routes converge . Almost in the middle of South Sinai , the fort was originally built to protect roads of pilgrimage from Africa to Mecca and trade caravans from Africa to Asia . It was also meant to serve as a base to launch attacks on the crusaders who had reached Jerusalem at that time .
The fort was established above the uniquely-shaped hill of Ras Al Jundi (nearly 2150 feet in height above sea level) which guards the entrance of one of the main valleys on the eastern side of Sinai . At this height , one can behold beautiful views and magnificent landscapes all around . One can enjoy viewing the fort's impressive extant outer walls which are more than 2 meters in height . Inside the walls , one can see a great number of well-preserved large vaulted rooms and a large vaulted water cistern . Enclosed within the fortress were found shops . Noticeably , a Fatimid-styled Mihrab dominates the fortress .