Al-Aqmar Mosque Cairo
A 12th-century Fatimid masterpiece, Al-Aqmar Mosque captivates with its ornate facade and pioneering street alignment.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Al-Aqmar Mosque Cairo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century Fatimid masterpiece, Al-Aqmar Mosque captivates with its ornate facade and pioneering street alignment.
"Its facade is beautiful with its intricate carvings."
Dress Modestly :abaya:
Cover shoulders and knees. Headscarves are recommended for women to ensure comfort and respect.
Explore Al-Muizz Street :world_map:
Al-Aqmar is part of a historic street; combine your visit with other nearby mosques and sites.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Facade
Street-facing exterior
Marvel at the 12th-century stone carvings, geometric patterns, and Kufic inscriptions that exemplify Fatimid artistry.

Street Alignment Adjustment
Exterior
Witness a pioneering architectural feat where the mosque's facade uniquely follows the street's alignment.

Serene Interior Courtyard
Inside the mosque
Find a peaceful sanctuary with a hypostyle prayer hall and elegant details, offering a contemplative atmosphere.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Al-Aqmar Mosque
Respectful Exploration of Al-Aqmar Mosque
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Modestly :abaya:
Cover shoulders and knees. Headscarves are recommended for women to ensure comfort and respect.
Explore Al-Muizz Street :world_map:
Al-Aqmar is part of a historic street; combine your visit with other nearby mosques and sites.
Capture the Facade :camera_with_flash:
The intricate carvings are best photographed in soft morning or late afternoon light.
Check Prayer Times :clock1:
Be mindful of prayer schedules to ensure a peaceful visit and avoid disruption.
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Modestly :abaya:
Cover shoulders and knees. Headscarves are recommended for women to ensure comfort and respect.
Explore Al-Muizz Street :world_map:
Al-Aqmar is part of a historic street; combine your visit with other nearby mosques and sites.
Capture the Facade :camera_with_flash:
The intricate carvings are best photographed in soft morning or late afternoon light.
Check Prayer Times :clock1:
Be mindful of prayer schedules to ensure a peaceful visit and avoid disruption.
Respectful Photography :iphone:
While photos are allowed, be discreet and avoid intrusive shots, especially during prayer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Al-Aqmar Mosque is celebrated for its stunning Fatimid-era architecture, particularly its intricately carved facade and innovative street alignment. Visitors appreciate its historical significance and the serene atmosphere within its prayer halls, especially the well-maintained women's section. However, some visitors have noted that the mosque may appear closed or lack signage at times, leading to potential disappointment.
"Al-Aqmar Mosque is one of Cairo’s most iconic examples of Fatimid-era architecture. Built in the 12th century, the mosque is renowned for its stunning façade, featuring intricate stone carvings, decorative inscriptions, and unique geometric patterns that exemplify Fatimid design.
Inside, the mosque offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere, with beautifully proportioned prayer halls and elegant details that reflect the artistic sophistication of the period. Its central location in historic Cairo makes it accessible for visitors exploring the old city.
Al-Aqmar Mosque is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in Islamic art and Cairo’s rich cultural heritage. Its combination of historical significance, craftsmanship, and charm makes it a standout landmark in the city."
Attia Adil
"The women’s area here is spacious and beautifully maintained. I felt so comfortable praying here, knowing I had my own space to connect with Allah in peace.
Do you prefer larger mosques or small neighbourhood ones?"
Roku Egypt
"Visited Al Moez Street 11 Nov 2022.
The facade of this Mosque is beautiful with its intricate carvings. Unfortunately did not appear to be open nor was there any signage for visitors.
The Al-Aqmar Mosque ( the moonlight mosque ) was built in 1125/6 AD by the Fatimid Vizier of al-Amir, al-Ma'mun al-Bata'ihi and was built on the main avenue of Fatimid Cairo at the time.
This mosque was innovative for a couple of reasons.
It was the first mosque to have an intricately carved facade plus the facade itself follows the alignment of the street.
This is the first example of a ground plan being adjusted to the existing street plan. This would prove to become increasingly common in the coming centuries."
S Hetherington
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Al-Aqmar Mosque is located on Al-Muizz Street in the heart of historic Cairo. The best way to reach it is by taxi or ride-sharing service, asking to be dropped off on Al-Muizz Street. Many visitors explore this area on foot after arriving by car.
While direct metro access is limited, you can take the metro to a nearby station like Bab El Shaaria and then a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride to Al-Muizz Street. Walking from some central areas is also an option if you enjoy exploring the city streets.
Al-Muizz Street is a long, pedestrian-friendly street lined with historical monuments. Al-Aqmar Mosque is one of the earlier significant structures you'll encounter. It's best to walk along the street and look for its distinctive facade.
Parking directly at Al-Aqmar Mosque is difficult due to its location in a historic, often pedestrianized area. It's advisable to park in designated lots further away and walk or take a short ride to the mosque.
Absolutely! Al-Aqmar Mosque is ideally situated on Al-Muizz Street, making it easy to visit alongside other key sites like the Sultan Al Mansur Qalawun Mosque, Khan El Khalili bazaar, and Al Azhar Mosque.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Al-Aqmar Mosque is an active place of worship and generally does not require an entrance fee for visitors. Entry is usually free, though donations are appreciated to help with its upkeep.
The mosque is open for prayer and visits, but it's best to check specific hours as they can vary, especially around prayer times. It's generally accessible during daylight hours.
Yes, a modest dress code is required. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees. Women are often seen wearing headscarves for comfort and respect.
Yes, women are welcome to visit Al-Aqmar Mosque. There is a dedicated women's area that is described as spacious and beautifully maintained, offering a comfortable space for prayer.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid taking photos during prayer times and be discreet. The intricate facade is a popular subject for photographers.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon. The soft light beautifully highlights the intricate stone carvings and inscriptions on the facade.
The mosque's intricately carved facade, with its geometric patterns and Kufic script, is its most striking feature. The unique way the facade aligns with the street is also a key photographic element.
While generally allowed, be mindful of prayer times and avoid intrusive photography. Respect the sanctity of the place and its worshippers.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the entire facade and its alignment with the street. A standard or telephoto lens can be used to focus on specific intricate details and inscriptions.
Drone usage is generally restricted in densely populated urban areas and around historical sites in Cairo. It's best to avoid drone photography to comply with local regulations.
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
Al-Aqmar Mosque is a prime example of Fatimid architecture, known for its intricate stone carvings, geometric patterns, and Kufic inscriptions. It was also innovative for its facade's alignment with the street.
It's significant as one of the earliest mosques with an intricately carved facade and the first to adjust its ground plan to an existing street. It showcases Fatimid urban planning and artistic achievements.
Yes, despite its central location, the interior offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere, especially outside of peak prayer times. The women's section is noted for being spacious and peaceful.
Modest clothing is essential. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Women often wear headscarves for added comfort and respect.
While official guided tours might not always be readily available directly at the mosque, many local guides operating on Al-Muizz Street can offer insights into its history and architecture.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ Architecture & History Enthusiasts
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Innovation of Al-Aqmar Mosque
Furthermore, Al-Aqmar Mosque is renowned for being the first mosque to adapt its ground plan to the existing street alignment. Instead of imposing its own layout, the mosque's facade was designed to follow the curve of the main avenue of Fatimid Cairo at the time. This innovative approach to urban planning demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of how buildings could integrate harmoniously with their surroundings, a concept that would become more common in subsequent centuries.
The mosque's interior features a hypostyle plan, with three bays on the qibla side and one bay around the square. This layout, combined with beautifully proportioned prayer halls and vaulted ceilings, creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The presence of a dedicated, spacious women's area further enhances its appeal as a place of worship and reflection.
Al-Aqmar Mosque's Role in Fatimid Cairo
The mosque's integration into the urban fabric of Fatimid Cairo is highlighted by its unique street alignment. This adaptation to the existing avenue signifies a conscious effort by the Fatimid rulers to blend monumental architecture with the daily life and flow of the city. It was a deliberate choice that reflected their architectural and urban planning philosophies.
Al-Aqmar Mosque is more than just a place of worship; it's a historical marker of the Fatimid era's artistic and architectural prowess. Its survival and continued significance on Al-Muizz Street make it a crucial site for understanding Cairo's rich Islamic heritage.


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