7 notable sites ranked among the world's top 100
الجامع الأزهر
Founded by the Fatimid dynasty, Al-Azhar is home to the world's oldest degree-granting university, Al-Azhar University. It has been the premier center of Sunni Islamic learning for over 1,000 years.
Home to the world's oldest university and the foremost center of Sunni Islamic scholarship for a millennium.
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form. Its unique spiral minaret (inspired by the Great Mosque of Samarra) and vast open courtyard make it one of the most atmospheric mosques in Egypt.
The oldest intact functioning Islamic monument in Cairo, showcasing Abbasid architectural influence in Egypt.
Sitting atop the Citadel of Saladin, this Ottoman-style mosque dominates the Cairo skyline. Its twin pencil-thin minarets and massive dome are visible from virtually every point in the city.
The most visible mosque in Cairo and a symbol of Egypt's transition to modernity under Muhammad Ali Pasha.
A massive Mamluk-era complex that combines a mosque, madrassa, mausoleum, and hospital. Its entrance portal is 38 meters high — one of the largest in the Islamic world.
One of the greatest achievements of Mamluk architecture and one of the largest mosques in the world.
One of the largest mosques in the world with a vast open courtyard and four iwans (vaulted halls) serving four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
A masterpiece of Mamluk architecture and one of the largest mosques ever built.
The first mosque built in Egypt and in Africa. Originally a simple structure, it has been enlarged and rebuilt many times over 1,400 years.
The oldest mosque in Africa and one of the oldest in the entire Islamic world.
Its vast open courtyard and unique ziyada (outer enclosure) make it one of Cairo's most atmospheric sites. The spiral minaret offers commanding views.
One of the oldest and best-preserved mosques in Cairo.