Mosque of Amr ibn Al-As

The basics

The Amr ibn Al-As features on some—but not all—tours of Islamic Cairo. Most of these tours are private and spotlight it alongside historical treasures, including the Cairo Citadel and Coptic Cairo’s Hanging Church. Alternative ways to visit include guided excursions that concentrate on Cairo’s old mosques; and all-encompassing Cairo tours, which cover the mosque as well as world-famous landmarks such as the Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum.

Things to know before you go

• The Amr ibn Al-As Mosque is an essential stop for history, architecture, and culture aficionados.

• The mosque is closed to non-worshippers during prayer times and holy days.

• Be ready to remove your shoes before entering.

• While photography is sometimes allowed inside, flash photography is banned.

• Visitors must cover their knees and shoulders, and women are required to wear head-coverings.

How to get there

The Amr ibn Al-As Mosque stands on Sidey Hassan Al Anwar in Coptic Cairo. The easiest way to get here is via a guided tour, cab, or rideshare such as Uber. The nearest metro station is Mar Girgis, a 10-minute walk from the mosque, and is close to Coptic Cairo’s other highlights, such as St. Sergius Church.

When to get there

The mosque is open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, as it’s an active place of worship, non-worshippers can’t go inside during the five daily prayer times or on holy days. Check the mosque’s prayer times before heading here.

What to see inside the Mosque Amr ibn Al-As

While little of the original 7th-century Amr ibn Al-As remains, it still has plenty to interest architecture buffs. Most notable is its arcaded courtyard and cavernous prayer hall, with its arches and decorative prayer niches. Don’t miss the marble pillars, which support the roof. While they seem incongruous, they were taken from nearby Roman and Greek sites when the mosque was undergoing reconstruction.