Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa
Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa

Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa

El-Darb El-Ahmar, El Khalifa, Cairo, 4292008

The Basics

A masterpiece of early Mamluk architecture, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa was built at huge expense by its namesake sultan, who was assassinated before its completion. After passing through a richly decorated portal, visitors enter a courtyard with an ablutions foundation and four lantern-hung liwans—each adjoining a madrassa. A bronze door from the courtyard leads to the sultan’s tomb.

The Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa can be visited independently or on tours of Cairo’s Islamic quarter. These typically private tours, which include a guide to detail the mosque’s history and design, also visit nearby sites such as the Citadel of Saladin and Al-Rifai Mosque. Other options include multi-day tours that span all Cairo’s highlights, including Islamic Cairo, the pyramids, and the Egyptian Museum—an ideal choice for first-time visitors.

Show all
Private Tour: Alabaster Mosque, Sultan Hassan, Khan el-Khalili
Private Tour: Alabaster Mosque, Sultan Hassan, Khan el-Khalili
star-4.5
$100.92 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Our tour guide Mohammed was the...
Our tour guide Mohammed was the best. He was so knowledgeable, friendly and super accommodating. He gave so much explanation, but not too much to where you get bored. He had the imam at the mosque to a prayer for us..it was amazing. He was willing to modify schedule to include lunch and took us to great restaurant in the market. I completely recommend this tour.
david k, Mar 2017

Things to Know Before You Go

  • The Sultan Hassan Mosque will appeal to history and religious buffs.

  • Dress respectfully to go inside, with shoulders and knees fully covered.

  • Be prepared to remove your shoes and leave them at the entrance.

  • Women should wear a headscarf and a long skirt or long pants.

  • Restrooms are located behind the mosque.

Show all

How to Get There

The Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa is in the El-Darb El-Ahmar district southeast of central Cairo, just below the Citadel of Saladin. Parking is difficult, so the easiest options are cabs or guided tours. If you’re going by cab and want to visit both the citadel and Sultan Hassan Mosque, explore the citadel first, as it’s then a downhill walk to the mosque.

Show all

Trip ideas


When to Get There

The Sultan Hassan Mosque is open daily from 9am to 5pm, but generally closed during daily prayers within these hours—at around midday and 3pm. Try to avoid Fridays, the Islamic holy day, when the mosque is packed with worshippers.

Show all

Saladin’s Citadel and Al-Rifai Mosque

Make the most of a visit to the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa by exploring its two nearby attractions. Visit the 12th-century Citadel of Saladin and its stunning Mohammed Ali Mosque—nicknamed the Alabaster Mosque—before strolling down to the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the 19th-century Al-Rifai Mosque. The latter contains the tombs of Egypt’s last king and the last Shah of Iran, who died in exile in Cairo in 1980.

Show all
EN
75329c25-c2d1-42be-93da-60d12efecad3
attraction_detail_overview
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Cairo?
A:
As well as visiting the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: