Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

Mosque of Sultan Hassan

Gigantic and beautiful Mosque of Sultan Hassan is the best example of early Mamluk architecture in Cairo. Built between 1356 and 1363 by Sultan Hassan grandson of Sultan Qalaun, it’s got a history as dramatic as its design. Sultan Hassan took the throne at 13 years old was deposed and reinstated multiple times before he was assassinated just before the mosque was finished. For those looking to explore Egypt's rich history Egypt vacation packages include visits to this remarkable site.

Behind the massive recessed entrance is a peaceful courtyard surrounded by four big iwans, each one dedicated to one of the four main schools of Sunni Islam. The eastern iwan has a stunning mihrab with Crusader columns. Next to it is the bronze door to Sultan Hassan’s mausoleum. To truly appreciate the grandeur of Cairo, Cairo day tours provide a detailed look at such architectural marvels, making it an essential stop in Egypt short tours packages.

During construction, tragedy struck when one of the minarets collapsed and killed around 300 people, and superstitious rumors started circulating about the sultan’s fate. Sadly, those rumors were true when Sultan Hassan was assassinated just over a month later by his own army commander. Visiting this mosque can be part of Egypt private tours tailored to give an intimate exploration of Cairo's heritage.

For a comprehensive exploration of Egypt's historic and cultural sites, Egypt classic tours include monumental landmarks like Sultan Hassan Mosque, providing a deep dive into the architectural and historical significance of the Mamluk era. This ensures that Egypt tours are complete with unforgettable experiences.