Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque in Cairo: A Tourist's Guide

The Amr ibn al-As is a Famous Mosque built in the 7th century AD, making it the oldest mosque in Egypt and the whole of Africa. The mosque was founded by the Commander of the Muslim army, General Amr ibn al-As, who conquered Egypt for the Muslim Arabs in 641 AD. Its construction marked the foundation of a new city in Egypt called Fustat.

After the Muslim Arabs conquered Egypt, they began building mosques. The Amr ibn al-As Mosque was the first mosque built in old Cairo. It has been renovated and expanded for several centuries. However, its overall design has remained largely unchanged since 1179 and is still used today as a place of worship by Muslims.

The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is one of Egypt's most beautiful and iconic mosques. Its stunning architecture and rich history make it a must-visit for any tourist to Cairo.

This guide will explain the architecture of the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As. It will also attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the site, such as:  What is the best time to visit? What are the entrance fees? What should I wear? - and more.

Architecture of the first mosque in Egypt

The Amr ibn al-As, the first Mosque in Egypt, is built in the traditional Islamic style, with a large central courtyard, four minarets and a prayer hall with a domed roof.

The mosque's exterior is decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns. The Mosque has been expanded and rebuilt numerous times, due to fire, earthquake and general disrepair. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why visit the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-as in Cairo?

Here are five reasons to visit The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque:

1. The Mosque of Amr ibn Al is one of the oldest because its original structure was the first mosque ever built in Egypt and Africa. It was built in 642 AD, just 20 years after the Arab conquest of Egypt. 
2. The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque in Egypt is one of the largest mosques in Al-Fustat Old Cairo. It can accommodate up to 4,000 worshippers. 
3. The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain.
4. The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is one of Cairo's most important historical sites. Here, the Arab general and conqueror Amr ibn Al-A'as prayed after he conquered Egypt in 642 AD. 
5. The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is a great place to learn about Islam and Egyptian culture.

Who will enjoy visiting?

• History Buffs
  A visit to the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is a must for history buffs. The mosque is the oldest in Egypt and was built by the famous Muslim general who conquered Egypt in the 7th century. The mosque has been restored to its original glory and is a beautiful example of early Islamic architecture.
• Architecture Lovers
  The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is a treat for architecture lovers. The mosque is built in the traditional Islamic style, with a large central courtyard and a beautiful prayer hall. The mosque is also decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy and tile work.
• Culture Vultures
  The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque in Cairo is a great place for culture vultures to get a taste of Egyptian culture. The mosque is one of the most important religious sites in Egypt and is a popular place of worship for Muslims.
• Photographers
  The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is a photographer's dream. The mosque is incredibly photogenic, with its beautiful architecture and stunning setting. The mosque is also a great place to take photos of the local people as they go about their daily lives.

What is the best time of the year to visit?

 The best time of year to visit the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is Ramadan. This is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, and the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is one of the most important mosques in the Muslim world.

During Ramadan, the mosque is filled with worshippers from dawn to dusk, and the atmosphere is electric. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit the mosque during Ramadan but should be respectful of the worshippers and not enter the prayer hall. 

How do I get to the Amr ibn Al-as Mosque?

There are several different ways to get to the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, which is situated in the heart of Coptic Cairo.

1. The first way is to take the Cairo Metro. The Cairo Metro is a quick and easy way to get around the city and will take you to the Old City.
2. The second way is to take a taxi or an Uber. This is also a quick and easy way to get to the mosque and is usually not too expensive.
3. The third way is to walk. This is a great way to see the city, and it is also a good way to get some exercise. However, it is important to note that the Old City can be very crowded, and it is important to be aware of your surroundings. 

How much does it cost to visit the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, and when is it open?

 The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Admission to the mosque is free.

What should I wear?

 Pilgrims and tourists must dress modestly when visiting the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque. This means that both men and women must cover their bodies from the waist to the knee, and women must also cover their heads and hair.

Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended, as you must remove your shoes before entering the mosque. You may also want to bring a scarf or shawl to cover your head when entering the mosque.

How fit do I need to be?

The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is open to visitors of all fitness levels. However, there are a few things to remember if you are not used to walking long distances or climbing stairs.

• First, the mosque is located in Old Cairo, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Cairo. This area has limited public transportation, so you must take a taxi or walk. If you choose to walk, be prepared for some uphill sections.
• Second, you must take your shoes off once you enter the mosque. There are usually plenty of places to store your shoes, but they can sometimes get crowded.
• Third, the mosque is enormous! Its prayer hall is almost the size of a football field. If you get lost, don't worry, there are usually plenty of people around who can help you find your way.
• Finally, remember to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees and wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

Visiting the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is a great way to experience Egyptian culture and history. With a little planning, you can ensure that your visit is enjoyable and comfortable.

Is it safe to visit?

The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is in the Old City of Cairo, which is generally considered safe. Several security guards are stationed at the mosque, and visitors must go through a security check before entering.

Of course, there is always a risk when travelling to any country with a high level of political instability. However, if you take some basic precautions, such as avoiding large crowds and being aware of your surroundings, the risk of something happening is very low.

What souvenirs can I buy?

Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Traditional Islamic clothing is one of the most popular items to buy at the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque. Visitors can find a wide variety of traditional clothing, including hijabs, abayas, and jilbabs. Islamic clothing is not only beautiful, but it is also a great way to show your support for the Muslim community.
• Another popular souvenir to buy at the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is books. A wide variety of books are available, including books on the history of Islam, the life of the Prophet Muhammad, and the Quran. Books make great souvenirs because they are a lasting reminder of your visit to the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque.
• Artwork is another popular souvenir to buy at the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque. A wide variety of artwork is available, including paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy. Artwork is a great way to remember your visit to the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, and it also makes an excellent gift for friends and family.

What else can I do?

 There are several different activities that you can do at the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque. Here are some of the most popular:

• Praying and Worshipping
  One of the most important things you can do at the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is to pray and worship. The mosque is one of Islam's most important religious sites and is where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to pray. Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide come to the mosque to pray and worship.
• Touring the Mosque
  Another popular activity you can do at the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is to tour the mosque. The mosque is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Cairo and is worth visiting. Several different tour companies offer tours of the mosque.
• Shopping at the Souq
  The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is located in the heart of Cairo's Old City and is surrounded by several different souqs (markets). You can buy several things at the souqs, including souvenirs, clothes, and food.
• Eating at the Restaurants
  There are several different restaurants located around the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque. These restaurants serve various cuisines, including Egyptian, Lebanese, and Syrian.

What useful tips do you have for visiting?

Here are some tips for visiting the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque:

• Dress respectfully: Visitors to the mosque should dress modestly, with clothing that covers the arms and legs. Women should also cover their heads.
• Remove your shoes: Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. There is a shoe rack near the entrance where you can leave your shoes.
• Be quiet: A mosque is a place of prayer and contemplation, so visitors should speak quietly and respectfully.
• Take photos: Visitors are welcome to take photos inside the mosque, but flash photography is not allowed.
• Visit during prayer times: The best time to visit the mosque is during the five daily prayers when it is at its busiest. Prayer times are posted on the mosque's website.

The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is a beautiful and historic Islamic monument that is well worth a visit. By following these tips, you can ensure that your visit is respectful and enjoyable.