The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is a monumental mosque and madrassa Cairo, Egypt was built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period, commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan. The mosque was considered remarkable for its massive size and innovative architectural components, and is still considered one of the most impressive historic monuments in Cairo today. This mosque is stunning and impressive from outside and inside. The mosque occupies almost 8000 square meters and the building is about 500 meters long, 68 meters wide, and 36 meters high. The massive main doorway at the north corner is almost 26 meters high and the minaret at the south corner is the tallest in Cairo at 81.5 meters. The mosque is an active place of worship. At the time of visiting the mosque women need to cover their heads; arms and legs and all visitors will need to leave their shoes prior to entering the mosque.

This massive mosque and madrasa were built by Sultan Hassan from 1356-1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period. It is thought that it was built below the Citadel so that the Sultan could admire it from his palace above. Ironically, because of the mosque’s position and sturdiness, it was used on numerous occasions in a way not intended. To demonstrate displeasure, dissidents would climb to the top of the mosque and bombard the Citadel. This resulted in several Sultans issuing orders for the mosque to be closed or even demolished (which never occurred). Our group admired the mosque from the Citadel terrace.

This unique structure reflects the early Mamluk architecture, every angle is built with meticulous care. Elegant courtyard, ornate windows, sprawling premises, this place is free from crowds. There is an admission ticket that can also be utilised for visiting ar- Rifa'i mosque. Many stories are associated with this Madrasa and the signage explains briefly.

It used to be the largest mosque in the world. It was so massive that some rebel emirs used it as a fortress from where they attacked Cairo Citadel, located on top of the next cliff. In 1500, Mamluk Sultan Janbalat, anticipating another rebel attack from the mosque, ordered it demolished; however, after three days of unsuccessful demolition attempts on the mosque's southeastern (Citadel-facing) walls, he was forced to give up. In 1517, the very last Mamluk sultan, Tumanbay, took refuge inside the mosque in an attempt to evade capture by the victorious Ottoman army as it took control of Cairo, resulting in the Ottomans bombarding the mosque with cannonballs from the Citadel. These demolition attempts, however, drew criticism from Cairo's population, which subsequently pressured authorities into repairing damages. It is challenging to figure out how this construction impressed the people after inauguration, back in 1363. It is also believed that limestone from the Pyramids of Giza was quarried for use in the mosque's construction. The mosque hosts four Islamic schools (madrassas) and accommodation for their students. There’s a shoes wardrobe at the entrance where the visitors can leave their shoes before visiting the mosque. It’s OK to tip the shoes keeper with 5 Egyptian Pounds for the service. A few kittens were playing around while I was removing my shoes.

Sultan Hassan started to built his mosque in 1356 and it took 7 years. Several tragedies occurred during construction eg. one of the minarets collapsed and buried 300 people under it. It’s a huge and magnificent building. I think the greatest parts of the mosque are the entrance gate and the well. It’s worth to visit.

There are two mosques stand side by side. Sultan Hassan Mosque was built in the 14th century during the Bahri Mamluk period and is one of the largest in the world. It was commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan and has some innovative architectural components. It is sited in the historic Salah al-Din Square of Cairo and still serves as a school to train Sunni Moslems.

In a radius of 4-5 KM around the Oldest Bazar El-Khallili, there are several Mosques that depict the Islamic rule of Egypt during 12th to 14th century. Mosque and Madrasa of Sulatn Hassan is one among them. A very impressive Mosque which has stood the test of the time over last 700 years. Its worth visiting and spending some time appreciating the architecture and learning the associated history of Bahri Mamluk period. For this you need to be on your own. No conducted Tour or guided tour will take you here.

We really enjoyed our guided tour of here. It was a very peaceful experience with a lot to see. Our guide did an incredible job of explaining the schools and the culture of the Muslim religion. Here we also got to see several tombs that were behind closed doors, as a gentleman with a key showed them to us (we tipped him 20 LE).

I have seen a few mosque’s in my travels this is definitely very nice to look at, please don’t get me wrong it has wonderful architecture and it’s amazing to hear the acoustics of the inside of the mosque and how it was designed to enhance the voice of the person conducting the prayers which is something a sound engineer would appreciate for sure. However it wasn’t a must see for me, however if you were booking a tour of Coptic and Islamic Cairo this would be included and in that sense it is worth it. So I would see if you have some more time on your hands in Cairo definitely go see it but if you have limited time then skipping it won’t be so bad.

One of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Cairo, part of their Unesco classified sites. A bit annoying to have to pay to enter, one of the only ones in town to ask for money, but it was included in our Cairo Pass so no problem :) My favourite is however Ibn Tulun, it is a nice walk from one to another. Do not be fooled, as entrance from here to the Citadel is pretty far away by foot as it is done via the opposite side.