Plizio Visual Lab
Sultan Hassan Mosque
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa in Cairo is widely regarded as one of the most significant masterpieces of Mamluk architecture in the world. Commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir al-Hassan and built between 1356 and 1363 AD, the complex was designed as a massive religious center housing a mosque and four separate madrasas for the four schools of Sunni jurisprudence. The building is noted for its monumental scale, featuring facade lengths of 150 meters and walls rising up to 38 meters high. Its main portal is one of the tallest and most intricately decorated in the Islamic world, showcasing exquisite stone carvings. Inside, a grand corridor leads to a central open courtyard with a beautiful domed fountain. Despite the Sultan's short reign and the immense costs incurred during its construction, the mosque has remained a benchmark for Islamic architectural excellence for over six centuries.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Mosque of Sheikhun El Omary El Mamlouky · Al-Rifa'i Mosque
- Nearby: Giza (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Sultan Hassan Mosque is an active mosque, open to non-Muslims outside prayer times. Visitors can see the courtyard, prayer hall, and adjacent madrasa.
Typical hours
The mosque is usually open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with closures for the five daily prayers. It is closed to visitors during Friday noon prayer.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and prayer hall, but without flash. Please avoid entering prayer areas during services and dress modestly.
Time needed
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for a visit. Art and architecture enthusiasts can easily spend 1.5 hours here.
Combine with
The mosque sits on Midan Salah al-Din and pairs perfectly with the al-Rifa'i Mosque across the square. Saladin's Citadel is also within walking distance.
Getting there
The mosque is in Islamic Cairo, reachable by metro (Mohamed Naguib station) or taxi. From the station, it is about a 15-minute walk.
Insider tip
Visit the mosque in late morning to enjoy light filtering through the tall windows. Wear socks as you must remove shoes to enter prayer areas.
Geography
Facts
- Built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk dynasty.
- The main entrance portal stands at a staggering height of 38 meters.
- The construction costs were so immense that they strained the state treasury.
- In 1361, one of the original minarets collapsed, causing significant casualties.
- The central courtyard covers an area of approximately 1,100 square meters.
- The mosque was the first to combine four madrasas within a single structure.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sultan Hassan Mosque (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Sultan Hassan Mosque?
It is considered one of the most significant monuments of Mamluk architecture worldwide.
Where is the entrance located?
The entrance is located at Salah al-Din Square, directly opposite the Al-Rifa'i Mosque.
Do I need to take off my shoes?
Yes, as in all mosques, shoes must be removed at the entrance.
Is the mosque accessible for people with disabilities?
Only partially, as there are high steps and uneven stone floors.
Can both mosques in the square be visited together?
Yes, combined tickets are often available for both Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i mosques.
Sultan Hassan Mosque: where is it located?
Sultan Hassan Mosque is located in Egypt.
Sultan Hassan Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mosque of Sheikhun El Omary El Mamlouky, Al-Rifa'i Mosque.
Sultan Hassan Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Sultan Hassan Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa in Cairo is widely regarded as one of the most significant masterpieces of Mamluk architecture in the world.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Egypt →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
A massive mosque in Cairo located next to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, serving as the royal mausoleum for the Egyptian royal family.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali
A grand Ottoman mosque situated in the Citadel of Cairo, visible from across the city.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Abdeen Palace
A historic Cairo palace serving as one of the official residences and principal workplaces of the President of Egypt.
Al-Azhar Mosque
A historic Islamic mosque in Islamic Cairo, established in 972 and renowned as a center for Islamic learning.
Qalawun Complex
A massive architectural complex in Islamic Cairo, including a hospital, madrasa, and mausoleum built by Sultan Qalawun.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
A modern museum in Fustat that showcases Egyptian history across all its eras, from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Egyptian Museum
One of the most important museums of ancient history, situated in Tahrir Square, holding an extensive collection of antiquities.
Nature
More places
Citadel of Saladin
A medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, built by Saladin to protect it from the Crusaders.
Al-Azhar Park
A green oasis in Cairo's old city.
Islamic Cairo
The historic core area of Cairo containing a wealth of Islamic architecture covering hundreds of years.
Coptic Cairo
A part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and numerous ancient churches.
Gezira Island
An island in the Nile in the middle of Cairo.
Heliopolis Park
Large city park with recreational opportunities.
🗺️
Gabal el-Asfar
An isolated mountain east of the Nile Delta.
Great Sphinx of Giza
A massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, likely Pharaoh Khafre.