Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa Cairo
A monumental Mamluk masterpiece, this mosque-madrasa complex is an architectural marvel with stunning decorations and a profound spiritual ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa Cairo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental Mamluk masterpiece, this mosque-madrasa complex is an architectural marvel with stunning decorations and a profound spiritual ambiance.
"This place stands as a pinnacle of Islamic architecture, renowned for its unparalleled grandeur and innovation."
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Essential for respectful entry into this active mosque.
👟 Shoe Storage Fee
Foreigners may pay a small fee for shoe cubbies. Egyptians often get free entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Courtyard
Central courtyard
A vast, open space surrounded by four monumental iwans, showcasing Mamluk architectural genius.
Intricate Stucco and Carvings
Interior walls and iwans
Marvel at the detailed stucco work, geometric patterns, and exquisite carved stonework.
Soaring Minarets
Exterior
Two magnificent minarets that dominate the Cairo skyline, testaments to Mamluk engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respectful Attire and Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Essential for respectful entry into this active mosque.
👟 Shoe Storage Fee
Foreigners may pay a small fee for shoe cubbies. Egyptians often get free entry.
🧘♀️ Find Quiet Contemplation
Take a moment to sit and absorb the spiritual atmosphere. It's a profound experience.
🕌 Respect Prayer Times
The mosque closes for Friday prayers around noon. Be mindful of ongoing worship.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Essential for respectful entry into this active mosque.
👟 Shoe Storage Fee
Foreigners may pay a small fee for shoe cubbies. Egyptians often get free entry.
🧘♀️ Find Quiet Contemplation
Take a moment to sit and absorb the spiritual atmosphere. It's a profound experience.
🕌 Respect Prayer Times
The mosque closes for Friday prayers around noon. Be mindful of ongoing worship.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The scale and details are breathtaking. Allow ample time for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa's unparalleled grandeur and innovative Mamluk architecture, calling it a masterpiece. The intricate decorations and vast scale offer a sublime and awe-inspiring experience, though some find the foreigner fee for shoe storage a bit irksome.
"The Masjid has four schools inside and the place is full of amazing decorations and beautiful details
My kids were relieved there and they start to draw the gates and decorated walls
The place is free and no tickets for Egyptians
Not sure about foreigners"
Didi Ibrahim
"This place stands as a pinnacle of Islamic architecture, renowned for its unparalleled grandeur and innovation. Its colossal scale and dramatic spatial composition are awe-inspiring, offering visitors a sublime experience that transcends time. The careful manipulation of light and shadow within the mosque creates an atmosphere of profound reverence and beauty, highlighting the skillful design principles of the Mamluk architects. The harmony of geometric precision and intricate ornamentation makes this structure not just a place of worship, but a masterpiece of architectural genius. As an architect, I deeply admire how this mosque balances monumental proportions with an intimate spiritual aura, making it a landmark that continues to inspire generations."
Assem Shafik
"Whatever your reason for visiting (and there are many: historical, architectural, cultural, spiritual, religious, etc.), please do yourself a favor and take a moment to find a quiet place to sit in contemplation. That will be the best way to experience the purpose of this extraordinary place."
Lee Harrison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa is located in Salah al-Din square, near the Citadel. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are readily available and convenient for reaching this historic site. Many tours also include it as part of a Cairo itinerary.
Yes, it's conveniently located near the Citadel of Saladin and the Al-Rifa'i Mosque, making it easy to combine visits.
A taxi or ride-sharing service is recommended for the journey between Sultan Hassan Mosque and Khan el-Khalili bazaar, as it's a moderate distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa is generally free for Egyptians. While some sources suggest a fee for foreigners, it's best to be prepared for a small admission charge or shoe storage fee.
The mosque is typically open to tourists during daylight hours, but it closes for Friday prayers from around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Always check current hours before your visit.
Yes, modest dress is required. Ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Women may wish to bring a headscarf.
You can visit on a Friday, but be aware that the mosque will be closed for approximately two hours around midday for Friday prayers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a prime example of Mamluk architecture, renowned for its monumental scale, innovative design, and intricate decorative elements like stucco and carved stonework. 
The mosque complex houses four madrasas (Islamic schools), each dedicated to one of the four main Sunni Islamic schools of thought: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.
Children can appreciate the vastness and intricate decorations. Some visitors mention their kids enjoyed drawing the gates and walls.
The Ayat-ul-Kursi (Verse of the Throne) is beautifully hand-decorated around the mosque, adding to its spiritual and artistic grandeur.
To fully appreciate its scale and details, allocate at least 1-2 hours. Some visitors find sitting in contemplation for a while enhances the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The central courtyard offers stunning perspectives of the iwans and minarets. Don't miss the intricate details of the stucco work and carved stonework inside.
Photography is generally allowed, but always be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the exterior and courtyard. The interplay of light and shadow inside can also create dramatic photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🕌 Religious & Spiritual Travelers
🏛️ Architecture & History Enthusiasts
+2 Pay close attention to the four iwans, the intricate stucco and carved stonework, and the soaring minarets. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel of the Mamluk Era
+1 The mosque is renowned for its colossal size and innovative architectural components, earning it the nickname 'Pyramid of Islamic Architecture'. The complex is designed around a vast central courtyard, surrounded by four towering iwans (vaulted halls), each dedicated to a different Sunni Islamic legal school. This unique layout facilitated its function as both a mosque and a madrasa, an educational institution. The sheer scale of the structure, with its massive stone walls and soaring minarets, was unprecedented for its time and set a new standard for Islamic monumental architecture.
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the harmony of geometric precision and intricate ornamentation. The interior features breathtaking stucco work, carved stonework, and colorful tile decorations, showcasing the peak of Mamluk artistry. The careful manipulation of light and shadow within the mosque creates an atmosphere of profound reverence and beauty, highlighting the skillful design principles employed by the architects.
A Place of Worship and Learning
For visitors, the mosque offers a unique opportunity to experience a living monument that continues to be a place of prayer and reflection. Many reviewers emphasize the importance of taking a quiet moment to sit and absorb the atmosphere, finding it to be the most profound way to connect with the spirit of the place.
While the mosque is a major tourist attraction, it remains an active place of worship. Visitors are reminded to be respectful of prayer times and the devout who gather there. This blend of historical grandeur and ongoing spiritual significance makes the Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa a truly unique and enriching destination in Cairo.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit