Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Cairo (must see)
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha is located at the top of the Salah-ad-Din Citadel in Cairo. It is one of the most visited sites in Cairo.
The mosque was commissioned by the founder of modern Egypt and the last dynasty that ruled Egypt. It is also called the alabaster mosque because of the extensive use of the material in the structure. Unlike other mosques in Egypt that were built in the Mamluk architectural style, it had the style of Turkish Mosques especially the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul. It was designed by the Turkish architect, Yusuf Bushnak.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha has a central dome surrounded by four small domes and four semicircular domes. The slender minarets have a Turkish architectural style and are 82 meters high. The tomb of Muhammad Ali Pasha is located at the center of the courtyard and is made of Carrara marble. The arcaded courtyard offers a spectacular view of the city across to the pyramids at Giza. The large prayer hall is covered by a large Turkish-style dome. The Southwestern parapet offers views of Cairo, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Ibn Tulun Mosque.
Why You Should Visit:
As part of the Citadel that you get to explore, this mosque stands out the most, especially at night with its beautiful illumination.
Add to this the design and intricacy of the mosaic inside, which truly makes it a great antiquity.
Because it sits on top of a mountain, you can also take in expansive views of the city and the pyramids.
Tip:
Try to go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and go on a sunny day as well – makes a lot of difference when enjoying the view!
Be sure to ask the cost of the "tour guide" assistance before you agree to hear more about the mosque.
The mosque was commissioned by the founder of modern Egypt and the last dynasty that ruled Egypt. It is also called the alabaster mosque because of the extensive use of the material in the structure. Unlike other mosques in Egypt that were built in the Mamluk architectural style, it had the style of Turkish Mosques especially the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul. It was designed by the Turkish architect, Yusuf Bushnak.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha has a central dome surrounded by four small domes and four semicircular domes. The slender minarets have a Turkish architectural style and are 82 meters high. The tomb of Muhammad Ali Pasha is located at the center of the courtyard and is made of Carrara marble. The arcaded courtyard offers a spectacular view of the city across to the pyramids at Giza. The large prayer hall is covered by a large Turkish-style dome. The Southwestern parapet offers views of Cairo, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Ibn Tulun Mosque.
Why You Should Visit:
As part of the Citadel that you get to explore, this mosque stands out the most, especially at night with its beautiful illumination.
Add to this the design and intricacy of the mosaic inside, which truly makes it a great antiquity.
Because it sits on top of a mountain, you can also take in expansive views of the city and the pyramids.
Tip:
Try to go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and go on a sunny day as well – makes a lot of difference when enjoying the view!
Be sure to ask the cost of the "tour guide" assistance before you agree to hear more about the mosque.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cairo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Mosque of Muhammad Ali on Map
Sight Name: Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Sight Location: Cairo, Egypt (See walking tours in Cairo)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Cairo, Egypt (See walking tours in Cairo)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Cairo, Egypt
Create Your Own Walk in Cairo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cairo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Cairo Walking Tour
Old Cairo, otherwise known as Coptic Cairo or Masr al-Qadima, largely predates the city of Cairo as we know it. Some Egyptologists think that a settlement here existed as far back as the 6th century BC. Later, the Romans built on the site a fortress named Babylon. Today, this ancient threshold of history is still in place, its weathered ramparts and sturdy bastions bearing witness to the ebb and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Cairo Downtown Walking Tour
Egyptians often refer to Cairo as Maṣr, which is the Arabic name for Egypt. This is due to the city's importance for the country, in part manifested by its closeness to the ancient pyramids. Indeed, the area of present-day Cairo has been the center of Egypt since the days of the pharaohs. The strategic territory at the base of the Nile Delta first hosted the town of Memphis.
By the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
By the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Uniquely Egyptian Things to Buy in Cairo
A jewel, a rose... what else is there distinctly Cairo to bring home as a gift? Feeling lost for ideas? - Look in here to generate some and expand your souvenir-shopping...