A Monument Built on the Scale of a Sultan
Commissioned by Sultan Hasan ibn al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun between 757 AH/1356 AD and 764 AH/1362 AD, the complex is one of the largest and most architecturally accomplished mosques in Egypt.
Its central open courtyard is surrounded by four monumental iwans. Doorways at the corners lead into four madrasas created for the four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence, each with its own court, iwan, student rooms and service spaces.
Standing opposite Al-Rifa’i Mosque near the Citadel, Sultan Hassan also played a strategic role in Cairo’s turbulent history: its height and position led to its repeated use as a fortress and platform for attacks toward the Citadel.
Ten Highlights Inside Sultan Hassan Mosque
From the monumental portal to the courtyard, qibla iwan and mausoleum, the complex rewards slow looking at both its immense scale and fine decorative detail.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Sultan Hassan
The combined ticket also covers Al-Rifa’i Mosque directly opposite, making the two monuments one of Cairo’s easiest and most rewarding architectural pairings.
09:00–17:00 Daily
The Ministry currently lists Sultan Hassan from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
EGP 220 Adult
Current inclusive ticket: EGP 220 foreign adult and EGP 110 foreign student.
Al-Rifa’i Mosque
The Ministry states that the inclusive Sultan Hassan ticket also allows entry to Al-Rifa’i Mosque opposite.
1–1.5 Hours
Allow extra time if you are visiting Al-Rifa’i on the same ticket and want to photograph both exteriors.
Salah al-Din Square
The mosque stands opposite Al-Rifa’i at the end of Muhammad Ali Street, immediately below the Citadel area.
Modest Clothing
This is a mosque as well as a historic monument. Dress respectfully and follow any instructions regarding shoes in prayer areas.
Morning / Late Afternoon
Angled light emphasizes the huge stone façades and the dramatic pairing with Al-Rifa’i across the square.
Citadel + Al-Rifa’i
The Saladin Citadel is the natural next stop, while Al-Rifa’i is directly opposite and already covered by the combined ticket.
Travel note: Public viewing conditions, plateau hours and private-access arrangements can change. Reconfirm current official visitor information before travel.
Pair Sultan Hassan with the Citadel and Historic Cairo
A private Egyptologist can connect Sultan Hassan’s Mamluk architecture with the Citadel above it and the wider story of medieval Cairo.
Four Facts Behind Sultan Hassan’s Monumental Scale
The complex combines congregational worship, education, royal commemoration and a remarkable strategic history.
Construction Began
Sultan Hasan commissioned the complex in 757 AH/1356 AD.
Ministry Date
The Ministry dates the building period through 764 AH/1362 AD.
Sunni Schools
Four madrasas served the four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
UNESCO Context
Sultan Hassan is among the major Mamluk monuments identified within UNESCO-listed Historic Cairo.
Add Sultan Hassan to Your Cairo Journey
Three programmes from your live collection selected for Islamic Cairo, heritage and educational depth. Sultan Hassan is presented as an optional addition unless the published itinerary explicitly includes it.
Nearby Attractions Around Sultan Hassan
Sultan Hassan sits at one of the richest architectural crossroads in Historic Cairo, directly opposite Al-Rifa’i and below the Citadel.
Al-Rifa’i Mosque
Cross Salah al-Din Square to the later royal mosque included in the same admission ticket.
Coming Soon
Saladin Citadel
Continue uphill to Cairo’s medieval fortress and the monumental Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Explore →
Khan El Khalili
Continue into the markets and lanes of historic Islamic Cairo for crafts, cafés and evening atmosphere.
Explore →
Al-Muizz Street
Trace Mamluk and Fatimid architecture through one of Historic Cairo’s richest monumental streets.
Explore →Sultan Hassan Mosque Visitor Questions
Practical answers for visiting one of Cairo’s greatest Mamluk monuments.
When was Sultan Hassan Mosque built?
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities dates the complex to 757–764 AH / 1356–1362 AD.
Who built Sultan Hassan Mosque?
It was commissioned by the Mamluk Sultan Hasan ibn al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun.
Why is Sultan Hassan Mosque famous?
It is celebrated for its monumental scale, four-iwan courtyard, four teaching madrasas, Mamluk minarets and exceptional stone, plaster and marble decoration.
What were the four madrasas used for?
They were educational institutions for the four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Each had its own court, iwan, student rooms and service spaces.
Why was the mosque used as a fortress?
Its position close to the Citadel and its great height made it strategically useful during conflicts among Mamluk factions; attacks toward the Citadel were launched from it.
What are the current opening hours?
The Ministry currently lists the monument as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How much is the foreign visitor ticket?
At the time of checking, the inclusive ticket is EGP 220 for foreign adults and EGP 110 for foreign students.
Does the Sultan Hassan ticket include Al-Rifa’i Mosque?
Yes. The Ministry explicitly states that the inclusive ticket allows entry into Al-Rifa’i Mosque opposite.
How long should I spend at Sultan Hassan?
Around one to one and a half hours is comfortable for the complex itself. Allow longer if you also visit Al-Rifa’i on the combined ticket.
What should I combine with Sultan Hassan?
Al-Rifa’i Mosque is directly opposite and included in the ticket. The Saladin Citadel is the strongest nearby continuation for a broader medieval Cairo itinerary.