Overview
Commissioned in 1869 by Khushyar Hanim, mother of Ismail Pasha, the mosque stalled after the patron's death and funding troubles, then was completed in 1912 under Hungarian architect Max Herz by order of Abbas II. It serves as the royal mausoleum of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, holding the tombs of Khedive Ismail, King Farouk, and King Fuad I, along with the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was granted asylum in Egypt. Facing the 14th-century Sultan Hassan Mosque across the square, it showcases a distinctly modern take on Islamic architecture. Covered by the same combined ticket as Sultan Hassan Mosque. Near the Citadel, connected on foot.
Travel Tips
Visit together with Sultan Hassan Mosque on the combined ticket, and dress modestly. Check with staff before taking photos.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Cairo, Egypt from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Egypt on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Cairo on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Cairo with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Cairo 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Al-Rifa'i Mosque
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Bab Zuweila
One of only three surviving gates of old Cairo's walls, with twin minarets you can climb.
📍 1.1km away
Wikala al-Ghuri
A 1504 caravanserai now hosting Egypt's famous Tanoura (Sufi whirling) dance shows.
📍 1.9km away
Cairo Tower
A 187m lattice-work tower on Gezira Island offering panoramic views of Cairo and the Nile.
📍 3.5km away
Things to Do in Cairo
Nile Dinner Cruise
A roughly 2-hour Nile dinner cruise with an Egyptian buffet, belly dance, and tanoura (Sufi spinning) show. Experience Cairo's night skyline from the water.
Giza Camel Safari
Ride a camel through the desert beside the Giza plateau for a panoramic view of all three pyramids and the Sphinx. Sunset rides are most popular.
Islamic Cairo Walking Tour
A 3-4 hour guided walk through Islamic Cairo's medieval monuments - Al-Azhar Mosque, Khan el-Khalili, Sultan Hassan Mosque, and Al-Muizz Street - with spice market and traditional cafe stops.