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Mosque of Muhammad Ali
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Mosque of Muhammad Ali

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Mosque of Muhammad Ali
4.5
About
Located in the Citadel, this mosque was built between 1824 and 1857 in the Ottoman style by Mohammad Ali Pasha, a ruler of Egypt.
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Restaurants
673 within 3 miles
Studio Masr
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0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Barbecue • Middle Eastern
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Attractions
226 within 6 miles
Sabil of Muhammad Ali Pasha
1
0 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
City Of The Dead (Southern Cemetery)
2
134 ftHistoric Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Military Museum
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444 ftMilitary Museums
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247 ftHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
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0.3 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Al Rifai Mosque
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0.3 miReligious Sites
Islamic Cairo
806
0.5 miNeighborhoods
Mostafa Kamel Museum
4
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Gayer-Anderson Museum (Bayt al-Kiritliya)
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See what travelers are saying
  • midnightscriber
    Grand Rapids, Michigan14 contributions
    Grandeur and Serene
    This enormous white marble citadel sits on top of a hill in Old Cairo and houses the remains of Muhammad Ali. The white marble gives this 19th century mosque the illusion of light and airiness while the domed ceiling seems to defy weight. The mosque is truly an architectural wonder that honors the sultan that unified Egypt. It is definitely worth a visit.
    Visited October 2022
    Written December 27, 2022
  • Ama
    18 contributions
    Part of citadel of Salahuddin and no1 thing to do in Cairo!! Pyramids and antiquities museum do not compare
    So peaceful. Get a taste of the Istanbul Blue Mosque while in Cairo. Interesting European and eastern mix of styles. Stunning location overlooking the city. Also another ancient mosque right next to it built from Ancient columns from Luxor, Greece etc. Far better than the pyramids or antiquities museums. Less crowded. Within the citadel of Salahuddin so for a single entry ticket you see this and the museums within which house beautiful must see things plus a lovely large cafe to relax in away from the traffic and crowds.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 16, 2023
  • James V
    Brentwood, California448 contributions
    The Mohammad Ali Mosque in Cairo
    A huge beautiful Mosque in Cairo Egypt with a humongous outdoor space overlooking the city .You can also see the pyramids from this Mosque . Situated in the Citadel of Cairo. Built between 1830-1848 . Also known as the Alabaster Mosque . The architecture is very impressive , minarets that stand over 80 meters high . The interior is beautiful , actually very stunning .
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 2, 2023
  • Antityco
    Kalamazoo, Michigan420 contributions
    Impressive Mosque
    It's very open to the public. You have to take your shoes off, or you can get shoe covers for 5 pounds outside the entrance. Women were not required to cover their hair. It's very beautiful, and it's all the more impressive when you know who Muhammad Ali was. Entrance was free once you're already in the Citadel.
    Visited March 2023
    Written March 3, 2023
  • Rachel548
    Farmington Hills, Michigan520 contributions
    Stunningly beautiful mosque
    Absolutely stunning mosque. Hard not to be in complete awe of the design, architecture, and artwork. In the citadel complex you can view old jail cells and get a great view over Cairo. We could see all the way to the Giza pyramids! Highly recommend visiting this complex.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 13, 2023
  • laczkozsu
    Debrecen, Hungary1,618 contributions
    The symbol of Cairo Citadel
    This Turkish mosque is the most popular site of Citadel, it can be seen from many parts of Cairo. The construction of the mosque began in 1839 and lasted for 18 years. It was modeled after the mosques in Istanbul. It is a huge imposing structure outside and it has a stunning interior. I liked the chandeliers the most. It’s a must-see site.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 21, 2023
  • Ogi0
    Sofia, Bulgaria20,943 contributions
    The Great Mosque
    Built about 180 years ago in Turkish style and located in the Citadel. There were a lot of people, but when entering, a person does not have to take off his clothes, but is given socks. They had no particular requirements for clothing either. It is very impressive from the inside, and from the terrace there is a nice view of the whole city.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 11, 2023
  • Sarah L
    London, United Kingdom3,027 contributions
    Beautiful but don't go on a Friday
    We came here around midday on a Friday only to be told that the mosque was only open to worshippers until 2pm. So, do plan your day accordingly. The mosque is located inside the Cairo Citadel and is beautiful so definitely worth a visit if you can fit it in.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 13, 2023
  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, District of Columbia6,407 contributions
    Best Attraction at the Citadel
    My driver let me out at the main road leading to the Citadel. There is a lot of consturction going on along so it was very dusty here. Entrance fee is 300 EGP or about US$ 10 . Took ride from the Trolley for 20 EGP after paying the Entrance Fee. The Trolley Ride ends infront of Visitors are required to remove their shoes and for women to cover up their heads. There is a staff giving blue bags to put these shoes. The Mosque is huge. Took pictures of the chandeliers, ceilings, walls, area where the Imman leads the prayer, etc. There are various rooms that have tombs. Without any signage and staff to explain whose tombs they belong to, I have no idea who are buried there.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 21, 2023
  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark3,866 contributions
    Did they destroy the pyramids to build this mosque?
    The Mohammed Ali Mosque from 1848, located within the walls of Cairo's citadel, is said to be constructed from alabaster - and from limestone, possibly taken from the pyramids?! The builder must have believed that his god was more important than the gods of his ancestors. It can be seen as a somewhat arrogant attitude. But that's often the case in monotheistic religions: We alone know. The mosque is impressive but strangely devoid of life. It's like a museum for an absent god, forgotten by everyone, especially the photo-hungry visitors. My recommendation: Visit one of Cairo's many other mosques, where the faithful gather both to pray and to chill. There is life and presence here.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 6, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,698 reviews
Excellent
1,576
Very good
843
Average
235
Poor
35
Terrible
9
Chelsea
162 contributions
Beautiful architecture
Apr 2021 • Friends
Touring this was an incredible experience. The architecture is absolutely beautiful, as well as all of he alabaster and marble. We had a guide who filled us in on a lot of the background and history and I highly recommend having one as the grounds can be confusing without. I do wish they were better with upkeep, as many stairs and paths are in need of repair/ restoration. There is also a section where you can get a great panoramic view of the city.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Funtravels13
San Francisco176 contributions
Beautifully done from the inside
Feb 2020
This is a large mosque that is located within a citadel. If you can spare an hour or so this is worth visiting. The outside courtyard has a well that supplied water for those who were going to prayer. There is also a nice structure provided for those who had to wash up before prayers.
It is the inside roof of the mosque that leaves you agape. The domes are beautifully done and the stained-glass windows are nicely done. There is also the mausoleum within the mosque.
Be prepared to remove your shoes and to pay 5 Egyptian pounds for shoe covers which are provided at the door. Alternatively you can remove your shoes but our guide did not recommend that.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kazi Y
Dhaka City, Bangladesh131 contributions
The great Mosque
Feb 2020
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha or Alabaster Mosque was built on the site of old Mamluk buildings in Cairo's Citadel between 1830 and 1848, completed by Said Pasha in 1857. Its white stone and tall, disproportionately slender minarets are one of Cairo's great landmarks. Muhammad Ali Pasha was buried in a tomb carved from Carrara marble, in the courtyard of the mosque. An impressive building. the interior is out standing and from the back you can have a magnificent view of Cairo. Some places need good maintenance like carpets, lighting, etc. At the time of visiting the mosque women need to cover their heads; arms and legs and all visitors will need to leave their shoes prior to entering the mosque.
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda F
New York City, NY273 contributions
Exquisite Interior
Feb 2020
This mosque is very large with beautiful domes inside, and stained-glass windows. You will need to use shoe coverings or remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately, i.e., no short shorts and/or tank tops
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMcD202003
Fishers, IN26 contributions
The Alabaster Mosque
Mar 2020
As part of multi-day tour of Egypt, including tours of Cairo, then flight to Luxor, and cruise on the Nile, our group visited the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also referred to as the "Alabaster Mosque". This Mosque resembles the great Mosque in Constantinople (we have not visited that one) and is built using Alabaster which is unusual and quite beautiful, although it has a "patina" at present time (due to smog, dust, etc.). Inside, you can see the beauty of Alabaster as the main supporting columns inside the Mosque are made of this material and are really exceptional. From the hilltop location, you can look out over Cairo and on a clear day may even see the pyramids. If you ever visit Cairo, this is a "Must See". Part of this tour winds through part of what is referred to as the "Citadel", the former fortress of Salah al-Din who ruled over most of the Islamic world at the time of the Crusades.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peeter P
Mississauga, Canada939 contributions
Disappointing in comparison
Jan 2020
Having seen the unparalleled mosques in Abu Dbabi and Muscat, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali bears no comparison. Although operating room slippers were offered for a small fee, the women's dress code was not enforced at all. The Mosque was dirty in many places and numerous bulbs were burned out and had not been replaced. It was explained to us by our tour guide that the cleanliness of the Mosque was not seen as a priority by the government of a poor country. Understandable, but still sad.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TTOverseas
Cairo, Egypt206 contributions
Must Go- Can't understand the Low Ratings?!?
Apr 2022
Seems you have to be a pretty jaded traveler to not appreciate the size and beauty of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali- We were all very impressed and loved taking a few minutes to just stand in awe of the size and majesty of the inside of the Mosque.

Our Tour Guide did a great job of explaining the history and the complicated relationship of Egyptians with Muhammad Ali, as well as pointing out some of the finer points of the inside. And this from someone who normally passes of tour guides...

Overall, we thought this was an essential part of our Cairo tour. We got there early on a Friday Morning, so the crowds hadn't yet arrived and it was a very clear day!
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim G
Toronto, Canada1,362 contributions
Very Unique Mosque
May 2019
Within the confines of the Citadel of Cairo is the spectacular Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha which was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848. Because is it situated on the summit of the citadel, this Ottoman mosque, the largest to be built in the first half of the 19th century, is the most visible mosque in Cairo.

The mosque was built in memory of Tusun Pasha, Muhammad Ali's oldest son, who died in 1816. The mosque, because of its height and prominence near the centre of the city, is one of the first features that is seen when approaching the city from any direction.

The inside of the mosque has hints of different religions incorporated within its structure making it really fascinating to look at.
Written April 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZhaoXiuMei
Singapore, Singapore4,967 contributions
nice mosque
Jan 2020
The exterior of this Mosque has some resemblance to the Blue Mosque of Turkey.
We sat inside the floor of the mosque and our guide explained to us the history and the religion.
Very spacious and serene place.
Many would posed for a photos with the exterior of the Mosque, but do watch out for broken tiles. One of us tripped and suffered a sprained ankle.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ama
18 contributions
Part of citadel of Salahuddin and no1 thing to do in Cairo!! Pyramids and antiquities museum do not compare
Jan 2023 • Family
So peaceful. Get a taste of the Istanbul Blue Mosque while in Cairo. Interesting European and eastern mix of styles. Stunning location overlooking the city. Also another ancient mosque right next to it built from Ancient columns from Luxor, Greece etc.

Far better than the pyramids or antiquities museums. Less crowded. Within the citadel of Salahuddin so for a single entry ticket you see this and the museums within which house beautiful must see things plus a lovely large cafe to relax in away from the traffic and crowds.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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