A Royal Mosque Built to Face Sultan Hassan
Al-Rifa’i Mosque stands on Salah al-Din Square opposite the fourteenth-century Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. The present building was commissioned in the nineteenth century by Hoshiyar Hanim, mother of Khedive Ismail.
Architect Hussein Pasha Fahmi was placed in charge of the design, which deliberately created a monumental counterpart to Sultan Hassan while incorporating a royal mausoleum for the family of Muhammad Ali Pasha.
Construction stopped for years before the mosque was finally completed in 1912 during the reign of Khedive Abbas Helmi II. The Ministry notes that cement was used here in a way that signaled the transition toward modern construction in Egyptian Islamic architecture.
Ten Highlights Inside Al-Rifa’i Mosque
The mosque combines monumental architecture with one of Cairo’s most important royal burial ensembles, making both its prayer spaces and tomb chambers essential to the visit.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Al-Rifa’i
Al-Rifa’i and Sultan Hassan share one combined admission ticket, so the best plan is to visit both together and compare two very different eras of Cairo architecture.
09:00–17:00 Daily
The Ministry currently lists Al-Rifa’i Mosque from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
EGP 220 Adult
Current combined ticket: EGP 220 foreign adult and EGP 110 foreign student.
Sultan Hassan
The Ministry states that the Al-Rifa’i ticket also allows entry to the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan opposite.
45–75 Minutes
Allow more time if you want to study the royal tombs closely or are visiting Sultan Hassan on the same ticket.
Salah al-Din Square
The mosque stands immediately opposite Sultan Hassan below the Saladin Citadel.
Modest Clothing
Al-Rifa’i remains a mosque. Dress respectfully and follow local instructions in prayer areas.
Sultan Hassan
Visit both monuments back-to-back to compare fourteenth-century Mamluk architecture with a later royal revival mosque.
Architecture + Royal History
The strongest appeal is the combination of grand Islamic architecture and the royal burial history of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty.
Travel note: Public viewing conditions, plateau hours and private-access arrangements can change. Reconfirm current official visitor information before travel.
See Two Centuries of Cairo Architecture Across One Square
Al-Rifa’i makes the most sense when seen together with Sultan Hassan: one medieval Mamluk masterpiece, one later royal mosque deliberately built to answer it.
Four Facts Behind Al-Rifa’i Mosque
Its history combines a Sufi shrine, royal patronage, modern construction and the burial story of Egypt’s last ruling dynasty.
Completion
After long interruptions, the mosque was completed during the reign of Khedive Abbas Helmi II.
Royal Patron
Hoshiyar Hanim, mother of Khedive Ismail, commissioned the present mosque and royal mausoleum.
Dynastic Mausoleum
Khedive Ismail, Fuad I and Farouk are among the members of the Muhammad Ali family buried here.
Last Shah of Iran
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, is buried inside the mosque.
Add Al-Rifa’i to a Cairo Journey
Three programmes from your live collection selected for Cairo heritage and cultural variety. Al-Rifa’i is presented as an optional addition unless the published itinerary explicitly includes it.
Nearby Attractions Around Al-Rifa’i Mosque
Al-Rifa’i sits at a major Historic Cairo crossroads, directly opposite Sultan Hassan and only minutes from the Citadel.
Sultan Hassan Mosque
Cross the square to the fourteenth-century Mamluk masterpiece included in the same admission ticket.
Explore →
Saladin Citadel
Continue uphill to Cairo’s medieval fortress and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Explore →
Al-Muizz Street
Continue through one of Historic Cairo’s richest streets for Fatimid and Mamluk architecture.
Explore →
Khan El Khalili
Finish with the historic market district for crafts, cafés and evening atmosphere.
Explore →Al-Rifa’i Mosque Visitor Questions
Practical answers for visiting Cairo’s royal mosque and mausoleum.
When was Al-Rifa’i Mosque completed?
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities states that construction was completed in 1330 AH / 1912 AD during the reign of Khedive Abbas Helmi II.
Who commissioned Al-Rifa’i Mosque?
Hoshiyar Hanim, mother of Khedive Ismail, commissioned the present mosque and placed architect Hussein Pasha Fahmi in charge of its construction.
Why is Al-Rifa’i Mosque famous?
It is known for its monumental architecture, richly decorated interiors and its royal mausoleum containing members of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty.
Why is it called Al-Rifa’i Mosque?
The site was associated with the shrine of Ali Abu Sheibak, a grandson of Imam Ahmad al-Rifa’i. After completion, the mosque became directly associated with Ahmad al-Rifa’i and the Rifa’i Sufi tradition.
Who is buried in Al-Rifa’i Mosque?
The Ministry names Hoshiyar Hanim, Khedive Ismail, King Fuad I, King Farouk and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, among those buried here.
What are the current opening hours?
The Ministry currently lists the mosque as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How much is the foreign visitor ticket?
At the time of checking, the combined ticket is EGP 220 for foreign adults and EGP 110 for foreign students.
Does the ticket include Sultan Hassan Mosque?
Yes. The Ministry explicitly states that the inclusive Al-Rifa’i ticket also allows entry to Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa.
How long should I spend at Al-Rifa’i?
Around 45 to 75 minutes is usually enough for the mosque and royal tombs. Allow longer if you are visiting Sultan Hassan on the same ticket.
What should I combine with Al-Rifa’i?
Sultan Hassan is directly opposite and included in the same ticket. The Saladin Citadel, Al-Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili are also easy Historic Cairo continuations.