This is a very large Mosque! It was one of the first I’ve visited and found it very interesting. I highly recommend it if you have some spare time in Cairo. The entry fee is around $10 per person for both buildings, which is worth it.
An impressive structure that covers 6500 square meters. Its construction began in 1868 but was halted from 1880 to 1905 until Khedive ABBAs Hilmi II resumed the work. He entrusted Max Herz Bey, a Hungarian architect, to oversee the project's completion, which was finalized in 1912. The mosque includes two tombs inside.
This mosque features a spacious prayer area, including a designated section for women. It also holds the graves of notable Islamic figures as well as the royal family members, including the king, his wife, daughters, sister, and even the Shah of Iran. At 150 years old, this mosque overlooks Cairo’s oldest square and the renowned Sultan Hasan Masjid. Admission is free, but it is important to respect prayer times. Visiting during the week is recommended, and pairing this with a tour of the Sultan Hasan school compound is a great idea.
Masjed El Rifa'i is more than just a mosque; it offers a historical, artistic, and spiritual experience. My recent visit to this magnificent structure in Cairo left me in awe. Built over decades, the mosque elegantly combines Ottoman and Mamluk architectural styles, making it visually stunning. The grandeur of its towering minarets, intricate marble details, and vivid tilework are remarkable. Inside, the beautiful prayer hall, adorned with stunning calligraphy and colorful stained glass, creates an atmosphere of both peace and beauty. This mosque also serves as a royal burial site, housing the tombs of Egyptian royalty, including King Farouk and the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Masjed El Rifa'i stands out as a remarkable historical treasure and an active place of worship, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Cairo.
You will gain a lot of insight into the mosque's construction and its builders. You'll also have the chance to see the tomb of Ali Abu Shubbak. It is an impressive royal Muslim mosque.
