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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
672 within 5 kms
Studio Masr
54
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Barbecue • Middle Eastern
Papadino's Cafe & Restaurant
1
0.8 km
Anter El Kebabgy
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1.1 km$$ - $$$ • Barbecue
El Tahra
1
1.2 km
Baha
3
1.3 km
Malek El Kebda
1
1.3 kmPub
El Shabrawy
3
1.3 km
Ibn Hamido
15
1.4 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood
Monginis Bakery
2
1.4 km
Abou Khashaba Restaurant
1
1.5 km
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Attractions
226 within 10 kms
Sabil of Muhammad Ali Pasha
1
0 mHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
City Of The Dead (Southern Cemetery)
2
41 mHistoric Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Military Museum
43
0.1 kmMilitary Museums
Madrassa of Al-Nasir Muhammad
7
75 mHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
459
0.5 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Al Rifai Mosque
174
0.5 kmReligious Sites
Islamic Cairo
806
0.7 kmNeighbourhoods
Mostafa Kamel Museum
4
0.3 kmSpeciality Museums
Gayer-Anderson Museum (Bayt al-Kiritliya)
218
0.9 kmHistoric Sites • Art Museums
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
406
0.9 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
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See what travellers 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
    Travelled 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
    Travelled 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
    Travelled 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
    Travelled 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
    Travelled 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
    Travelled 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
    Travelled 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.
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Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,038 contributions
Fancy architecture and can get a view of the Pyramids on a clear day!
Oct. 2023 • Solo
Just in a traditional mosque, you have to take off your shoes, or if not, you're provided with plastic foot coverings for your shoes. The details of the mosque are intricate, and the chandelier displays inside are mesmerizing.

Outside, there is a viewpoint where you can see the pyramids on a clear day, but not during the time of our visit. It was hazy.

It also features France's gift to Egypt in return of giving them an obelisk of Luxor Temple. Since the clock doesn't work, it's clear the Egypt got shafted and I guess it was at that moment the Egyptians have learned that the only people they should trust with clocks are the Swiss.
Written November 26, 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.
Lella Erludóttir
44 contributions
Stunning
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Such a beautiful mosque adorned with silver and gives the most stunning panoramic view of Cairo. The story of El Salhadin is fascinating and the beauty of this mosque is captivating.
Written November 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.
Razorfish
Little Rock, AR3,792 contributions
Good views of Cairo from the Citadel
Dec. 2022 • Couples
Our tour group stopped by the mosque during our two week Nile cruise this past December. There are some commanding views of Cairo from the Citadel. The mosque is of an Ottoman architectural design from the 1800s. You can purchase shoe covers before entering the mosque.
Written November 10, 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.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark3,866 contributions
Did they destroy the pyramids to build this mosque?
Nov. 2023 • Couples
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.
Written November 6, 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.
must_travel_soon_10
Mississauga, Canada1,691 contributions
Grand Mosque
Oct. 2023 • Friends
The history and grandeur are magnificent. The actual mosque is not that compelling with the simple finishes and adornments. Location is also awkward, with the harsh hillside geography. The blue mosque in Istanbul is in another higher league, in comparison.
Written November 2, 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.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,407 contributions
Best Attraction at the Citadel
Oct. 2023 • Solo
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.
Written October 21, 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.
Arthur A
Medlow Bath, Australia17 contributions
Magnificent!
Oct. 2023 • Family
Architecturally magnificent Mosque in the equally impressive Salah ad-Din Citadel. Great views of Cairo.
Definitely worth the trip.
Written October 12, 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.
Shubh K
Vienna, VA487 contributions
Ornate
Apr. 2023 • Family
This mosque is beautiful inside, with marble and alabaster walls, and ornate chandeliers and design patterns. They should invest in promoting this site to tourists and clean up the accumulated dirt on some of the walls - this should be a much bigger tourist draw than it currently is.
Written September 17, 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.
Susan E
Philadelphia, PA1,041 contributions
Resplendent Mosque
Nov. 2022 • Family
This gorgeous Mosque was unfortunately undergoing interior renovations inside but there were still many photo opportunities. There are many beautiful scenes outside.
Written September 10, 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.
Jasmine S
Marrakech, Morocco2 contributions
visit to Mohamed Ali
Aug. 2023 • Couples
We love this place, must for everyone interested in Islamic architecture and history to visit this Mosque, it's breathtaking beauty
Written August 30, 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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