The Mosque of Muhammad Ali crowns the Citadel of Cairo, its great dome and twin minarets visible across the city. Built in the Ottoman style, it is often called the Alabaster Mosque for the pale stone that clads its lower walls and columns.
Muhammad Ali Pasha commissioned the mosque in the 19th century as a statement of his power and a burial place for his family. Its domes and slender minarets recall the imperial mosques of Istanbul, while Muhammad Ali’s marble tomb rests inside. Look up in the prayer hall to see richly decorated domes and rings of hanging lamps, then step into the arcaded courtyard for views over Cairo.
The mosque is within the Citadel complex, so allow time to explore beyond it and check current admission arrangements before visiting. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. Early morning is a good time to visit for cooler temperatures and clearer views; be respectful of worshippers, particularly around prayer times.