Al-Rifa'i Mosque, mosque in Egypt
Description
Al-Rifa'i is a mausoleum and mosque in the Cairo Governorate, featuring two slender minarets rising above the grounds. Granite columns support the entrance gate, while inside, elaborate marble work covers the walls and connects the prayer hall with the burial chamber.
History
Khoshiyar Hanim, mother of Khedive Ismail, began construction in 1869 to create a worthy burial site for the ruling family. Completion came only in 1912 under Khedive Abbas Hilmi II after several construction pauses and redesigns.
Culture
The royal necropolis houses tombs of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, including King Farouk and Khedive Ismail, and continues to serve as the final resting place for Egyptian rulers. The last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was buried here after his death in exile.
Practical
The building opens daily and welcomes visitors for tours during daylight hours, with exceptions on religious holidays. Women should cover shoulders and knees, while men should wear long trousers, and it is advisable to arrive outside prayer times.
Did you know?
Cement was used here for the first time in Egyptian Islamic architecture, revolutionizing construction methods. Gothic window shapes and cross-shaped ornaments decorate the building, an uncommon blend of European and Islamic design.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Cairo Governorate).
Cairo is home to millennia of history. The Giza Pyramids, built between 2686 and 2494 BC, stand alongside Fatimid mosques like the Ibn Tulun Mosque from 879, and Mamluk fortifications such as Saladin's Citadel from the 12th century. Religious heritage reflects community diversity: Saint Serge Church...
Cairo Citadel
591 m
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
821 m
Muhammad Ali Mosque
549 m
Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
98 m
Gayer-Anderson Museum
753 m
Al-Gawhara Palace
738 m
Cairo Citadel Clock
460 m
Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque
570 m
Egyptian National Military Museum
591 m
Aqsunqur Mosque
509 m
Qanibay Al Ramah Mosque
135 m
Bayt Al-Razzaz palace
580 m
Madrasa of Sarghatmish
583 m
Mosque of Amir al-Maridani
808 m
Amir Khayrbak Funerary Complex
470 m
Mosque of al-Mahmudiya
149 m
Mausoleum of Shajarat al-Durr
875 m
Maristan of al-Mu'ayyad
268 m
Mosque and Khanqah of Shaykhu
434 m
Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban
556 m
National Police Museum
419 m
Palace of Yashbak
190 m
Mathaf Mustafa Kamil
363 m
Mausoleum of Tarabay al-Sharifi
448 m
Mosque of Qanibay al-Muhammadi
338 m
Al-Burdayni Mosque
806 m
Sabil-kuttab of Qaytbay
287 m
El-Khayamiya Cloth Market
838 mDiscover 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.
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