Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

Log in to your account

AroundUs is a community-driven map of interesting places, built by curious explorers like you. It grows with every review, story, and photo you share.
Connect to save your favorite spots, contribute locations, and create personalized routes.
By continuing, you accept our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy
Add to collection
Map
Suggest a change
Share

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, Mosque and educational center in Islamic Cairo, Egypt.

The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan features four teaching halls arranged in a cruciform layout around a central courtyard with a towering entrance portal.

Sultan Hassan commissioned this religious complex in 1356, investing one million dinars during construction that continued until 1363 despite the Black Plague.

The building incorporates separate teaching spaces for all four Sunni Islamic schools of jurisprudence, reflecting medieval Cairo's role as an educational center.

The mosque complex spans 7,900 square meters near the Citadel, containing accommodations for 500 students and spaces for both education and prayer.

The northern minaret reaches 84 meters, establishing it as the tallest structure in Mamluk architecture, while the southern tower collapsed in 1659.

Location: Cairo Governorate

Inception: 1363

Architectural style: Islamic architecture

Part of: Islamic Cairo

GPS coordinates: 30.03190,31.25670

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:43

Architecture in Cairo: Mamluk mosques, Ottoman houses, and historic cemeteries

Cairo preserves an architectural heritage spanning over fifteen centuries. This collection includes religious buildings, traditional houses, and utilitarian structures that reflect the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Mosques such as Sultan Hassan with its 68-meter minaret stand alongside ancient homes with mashrabiya windows, while the 9th-century Nilometer highlights the river's importance in Egyptian society. The route passes through various historic districts, from El Khalifa with its medieval monuments to Ottoman houses from the 16th and 17th centuries like Bayt Al-Suhaymi or those housing the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Aqsunqur Mosque stands out with its Iznik tiles showcasing floral motifs, a legacy of Ottoman influence. The City of the Dead, a cemetery stretching four kilometers, illustrates the continuity between burial sites and inhabited areas. Green spaces like Al-Azhar Park offer views of a dense city where traditions blend with everyday life.

Reviews

Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.

« Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan: Mosque and educational center in Islamic Cairo, Egypt » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!

From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.

Around Us App Screenshot

A unique approach to discovering new places

Le Figaro

All the places worth exploring

France Info

A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks

20 Minutes