Al-Aqmar Mosque
Fatimid Cairo / Northern Al-Muizz
Discover one of Fatimid Cairo's architectural masterpieces, famous for an intricately carved stone façade cleverly aligned with Al-Muizz Street while the prayer hall behind it remains correctly oriented toward Mecca.
Historical Overview
Al-Aqmar Mosque is particularly significant for its street façade. Its architect solved an unusual urban problem: the building's visible façade follows the alignment of Al-Muizz Street, while the interior maintains the correct qibla orientation. The stone façade is richly decorated with carved medallions, radiating niches, Kufic inscriptions and religious motifs. The mosque contains a central open courtyard surrounded by four arcades, with the largest arcade marking the qibla side. An inscription above the mihrab records later restoration under the Mamluks.
Why Visit?
For architecture enthusiasts, Al-Aqmar is one of the most important stops on Al-Muizz. The façade demonstrates how medieval architects adapted monumental religious architecture to an already established urban street.
What to See
- Famous carved stone façade
- Central medallion above the entrance
- Kufic inscriptions
- Radiating shell-like stone decoration
- Open courtyard
- Mihrab
- Mamluk restoration inscription
- Relationship between street alignment and qibla orientation
Getting There
Destination / الوجهة
جامع الأقمر
Point to this and ask them to take you there
من فضلك وديني جامع الأقمر في شارع المعز
Public Transit Options
Metro
Bab Al Shaaria — Line 3
Recommended Route
Metro: Bab Al Shaaria -> walk/short ride to northern Al-Muizz
Media Gallery
The intricately carved stone façade of Al-Aqmar Mosque
Good to Know
Best Combined With
Make the most of your visit by combining this with:Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar,Sabil-Kuttab Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda,Amir Beshtak Palace,Al-Hakim Mosque,Qalawun Complex
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Plan Your Visit
- Duration: 20 - 30 mins
- Best Time: Morning for architecture and photography, or combine it with a north-to-south Al-Muizz walk.