Mosque of Amr ibn al-As
جامع عمرو بن العاص
Built in 642 CE in Fustat, the first mosque in Egypt and Africa. It sits close to Coptic Cairo, so it's easy to visit on the same outing.
The mosque was founded between 641 and 642 CE by Amr ibn al-As, the general who led the Arab conquest of Egypt, in the newly established city of Fustat. It is considered the earliest mosque in Egypt and in Africa. The original structure was a simple hall of mud brick. Over the centuries it was expanded and rebuilt many times, so today's broad courtyard, more than two hundred marble columns reused from older buildings, and arcades are mostly later reconstructions. Entry is free. Women should cover their hair and wear long sleeves and long trousers, and visitors must remove their shoes before going inside. Avoid visiting at midday on Friday during prayers. Take Metro Line 1 to Mar Girgis station and walk about 5 minutes. Combine the visit with the Coptic Cairo area, home to the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (visits paused during services)
Nearby sights
- Coptic Cairo / Hanging Church
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
- Manial Palace
- Mosque of Ibn Tulun
- Gayer-Anderson Museum
- Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
- Al-Rifa'i Mosque
- Citadel of Saladin