Al-Kamiliyya Madrasa
Bayn al-Qasrayn, Al-Muizz Street
Discover the surviving remains of one of Ayyubid Cairo's most important centres of religious learning, established by Sultan al-Kamil in the early thirteenth century for the study of Hadith and Shafi'i scholarship.
Historical Overview
Al-Kamiliyya was an important educational foundation in Ayyubid Cairo. Cairo Governorate describes it as the second madrasa devoted to Hadith studies after the institution founded by Nur al-Din Zengi in Damascus. Its original layout consisted of a central courtyard flanked by iwans and student rooms. Much of the medieval complex was eventually lost. The surviving northern section retains a pointed stone vault, while later Ottoman-period rebuilding and alteration changed other parts of the site.
Why Visit?
Al-Kamiliyya is less visually spectacular than its Mamluk neighbours, but historically it is extremely valuable because it represents Ayyubid Cairo before the great Mamluk transformation of Bayn al-Qasrayn.
What to See
- Surviving Ayyubid remains
- Northern iwan
- Pointed stone vault
- Historic entrance
- Ottoman restoration inscription
- Relationship with later neighbouring Mamluk monuments
Getting There
Destination / الوجهة
المدرسة الكاملية
Point to this and ask them to take you there
من فضلك وديني المدرسة الكاملية في شارع المعز قدام قصر بشتاك
Public Transit Options
Metro
Bab Al Shaaria — Line 3
Recommended Route
Metro: Bab Al Shaaria -> Al-Muizz Street
Media Gallery
The surviving Ayyubid structures of Al-Kamiliyya Madrasa
Good to Know
Best Combined With
Make the most of your visit by combining this with:Hammam Inal,Beshtak Palace,Sultan Barquq Complex,Al-Nasir Muhammad Madrasa,Qalawun Complex
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Plan Your Visit
- Duration: 15 - 25 mins
- Best Time: Daytime.
- Photography: Mobile photography: free under current Al-Muizz pass rules.