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Temples & religious sites

Muhammad Ali Mosque

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Muhammad Ali Mosque

Overview

Commissioned in the early 19th century by Muhammad Ali, this Ottoman-style mosque stands atop Cairo's citadel hill. Visitors come to examine its alabaster interior, domed architecture, and panoramic views across the city.

Getting There

From downtown Cairo, the site is most easily reached by taxi or rideshare. Travel time is roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Time to Allow

Plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the prayer hall, courtyard, and viewing area.

When to Visit

The mosque gets crowded from mid-morning onward as tour groups arrive. Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler air. The cooler season between October and April is ideal for walking the outdoor spaces. Avoid Friday midday during weekly congregational prayers.

What to Combine It With

The site sits within easy walking distance of several landmarks:

  • Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque (0.1km) – A Mamluk-era mosque within the citadel grounds.
  • Cairo Citadel (0.2km) – The broader historic fortress and its museums.
  • Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan (0.5km) – A prominent 14th-century complex at the hill's base.
  • Al-Rifa'i Mosque (0.5km) – Situated directly opposite Sultan Hassan.

Updated September 9, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Muhammad Ali Mosque

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Good to visit alongside

Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

The Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, in the Cairo Citadel, is a royal mosque built in 1318 by a Mamluk sultan. Sultans once held Friday prayers here, and visitors can admire its Islamic architecture.

0.1 km away
Cairo Citadel

Castles & palaces

Cairo Citadel

A citadel on a hill in Cairo, begun by Saladin in 1176 and expanded by successive rulers over the centuries. For nearly 700 years, from the 13th to the 19th century, it served as Egypt's political center and the residence of its rulers.

0.2 km away
Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

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Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

A large mosque and madrasa complex in Cairo's old city, built during the 14th-century Mamluk era. Its grand scale and refined architecture make it one of Cairo's landmark sites.

0.5 km away
Al-Rifa'i Mosque

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Al-Rifa'i Mosque

A mosque in Cairo's Islamic District near Citadel Square, also used as the royal mausoleum of the Muhammad Ali dynasty. It's easy to visit together with the Sultan Hassan Madrasa directly across from it.

0.5 km away
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Mosque of Ibn Tulun

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Mosque of Ibn Tulun

Considered the oldest surviving mosque in Cairo. It offers a close look at centuries-old Islamic architecture.

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