Sultan Hassan Mosque

Overview

The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is considered the masterpiece of Mamluk architecture and one of the greatest mosques in the Islamic world. Its sheer scale and austere geometry have been compared to the finest Gothic cathedrals of Europe.

Highlights

• The Portal: The soaring entrance portal, 26 metres high, is the tallest in any mosque in Cairo.
• The Central Courtyard: A cruciform plan with four massive iwans (vaulted prayer halls), each dedicated to one of the four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
• The Mausoleum: Sultan Hassan's domed burial chamber behind the main qibla wall, with an enormous Quran stand and beautiful stained glass.

History

Commissioned by Sultan Hassan ibn Muhammad in 1356, the mosque took seven years to build and cost an astronomical sum. The sultan was murdered before its completion and his body was never recovered — the grand mausoleum may never have held its intended occupant.

Visitor Tips

• Photography: The courtyard is one of the most photogenic spaces in Cairo, especially in morning light.
• Combine: Visit together with the adjacent Al-Rifa'i Mosque for contrast between Mamluk and 19th-century revival styles.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.