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Mosque of Muhammad Ali

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Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)

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The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, popularly known as the Alabaster Mosque, stands prominently at the summit of the Citadel of Saladin in Cairo. Commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt, construction took place between 1830 and 1848. Designed by the architect Yusuf Bushnak, the mosque's architecture draws heavy inspiration from the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, featuring a massive central dome and two exceptionally slender minarets. Its nickname derives from the extensive use of alabaster to clad the exterior walls and interior surfaces. The interior is characterized by a vast prayer hall topped by a dome reaching a height of 52 meters, illuminated by numerous ornate lamps and a massive chandelier. From its western terrace, visitors can enjoy a wide-open panoramic view of Cairo, extending as far as the Great Pyramids on a clear day.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C121417212529303028241914
Rain mm8779000005177

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali in the Cairo Citadel is open to visitors, for both prayer and tourism. The interior with its large dome is impressive.
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Typical hours
The mosque is usually open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except during prayer times when tourist access is restricted. Fridays may have different hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside the mosque, but without flash to protect the artworks. The exterior view from the Citadel is also photogenic.
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Time needed
Allow about one to one and a half hours for the mosque and a stroll around the Citadel grounds. The panoramic view of Cairo from here is magnificent.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with other attractions in the Citadel like the National Military Museum. The nearby Sultan Hassan Mosque is also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The Citadel is reachable by taxi or bus from Cairo city centre. The mosque is inside the Citadel, which has its own entrance.
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Insider tip
Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on Fridays. Take time to enjoy the view from the Citadel walls.

Geography

Coordinates
30.02890, 31.25970

Facts

  • Constructed between 1830 and 1848 in the Ottoman architectural style.
  • The two twin minarets are each 82 meters tall, making them the tallest in Egypt.
  • The central dome has a diameter of 21 meters and rises to 52 meters.
  • Muhammad Ali Pasha's tomb is located within the mosque, carved from white marble.
  • The lower part of the exterior and interior walls is covered with 160 tons of alabaster.
  • The ornate copper clock tower in the courtyard was a gift from King Louis Philippe of France.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Citadel of SaladinCitadel of Saladin<1 km · NEExplore →
Al-Azhar MosqueAl-Azhar Mosque2 km · EExplore →
Abdeen PalaceAbdeen Palace2 km · SEExplore →
National Museum of Egyptian CivilizationNational Museum of Egyptian Civilization2 km · SWExplore →
Egyptian MuseumEgyptian Museum3 km · SEExplore →
Manial PalaceManial Palace3 km · SExplore →
Coptic CairoCoptic Cairo4 km · SWExplore →
GizaGiza6 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mosque of Muhammad Ali (4)

Al-Lu'lu'a Mosque⛪ religious

The Al-Lu'lu'a Mosque is a Fatimid structure perched on the Mokattam hills.

Al-Gawhara Palace🏰 castle

The Al-Gawhara Palace is an Ottoman-era palace located south of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

Mustafa Kamel Museum🏛 museum

The Mustafa Kamel Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the eponymous Egyptian nationalist.

Mosque of Muhammad Ali⛪ religious

Completed in 1848, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali dominates the Citadel's skyline with its Ottoman domes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours for the Muhammad Ali Mosque?
The mosque is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except during Friday prayers.
Is there a dress code for visitors?
Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered; women should wear a headscarf.
How much is the entry fee to the Citadel?
The entry fee for foreigners is approximately 450 EGP and includes access to the mosque.
Is photography allowed inside the mosque?
Photography without flash is allowed; tripods are generally not permitted inside.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes for the mosque and additional time for the Citadel.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali: where is it located?
Mosque of Muhammad Ali is located in Egypt.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali: what is there to see?
Highlights include Al-Lu'lu'a Mosque, Al-Gawhara Palace, Mustafa Kamel Museum.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali: why is it worth visiting?
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, popularly known as the Alabaster Mosque, stands prominently at the summit of the Citadel of Saladin in Cairo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Al-Rifa&#39;i Mosque — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
A massive mosque in Cairo located next to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, serving as the royal mausoleum for the Egyptian royal family.
Sultan Hassan Mosque — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Sultan Hassan Mosque
A monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo, known for its massive scale.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Al-Azhar Mosque — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Al-Azhar Mosque
A historic Islamic mosque in Islamic Cairo, established in 972 and renowned as a center for Islamic learning.
Abdeen Palace — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Abdeen Palace
A historic Cairo palace serving as one of the official residences and principal workplaces of the President of Egypt.
Qalawun Complex — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Qalawun Complex
A massive architectural complex in Islamic Cairo, including a hospital, madrasa, and mausoleum built by Sultan Qalawun.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
A modern museum in Fustat that showcases Egyptian history across all its eras, from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Egyptian Museum — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Egyptian Museum
One of the most important museums of ancient history, situated in Tahrir Square, holding an extensive collection of antiquities.

Nature

🗺️
Nile
The longest river in the world, the lifeline of Egypt.
Nile Delta — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Nile Delta
The fertile alluvial plain where the Nile river flows.

More places

Citadel of Saladin — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Citadel of Saladin
A medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, built by Saladin to protect it from the Crusaders.
Al-Azhar Park — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Al-Azhar Park
A green oasis in Cairo's old city.
Islamic Cairo — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Islamic Cairo
The historic core area of Cairo containing a wealth of Islamic architecture covering hundreds of years.
Coptic Cairo — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Coptic Cairo
A part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and numerous ancient churches.
Gezira Island — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Gezira Island
An island in the Nile in the middle of Cairo.
Heliopolis Park — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Heliopolis Park
Large city park with recreational opportunities.
🗺️
Gabal el-Asfar
An isolated mountain east of the Nile Delta.
Great Sphinx of Giza — Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
Great Sphinx of Giza
A massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, likely Pharaoh Khafre.