Al-Rifa'i Mosque

Al-Rifa'i Mosque is a grand nineteenth-century mosque in Cairo, Egypt. Its local name is مسجد الرفاعي. The mosque faces the Mosque of Sultan Hassan and together they form a defining ensemble near the Citadel. The building represents a significant example of royal mosque architecture from the Khedival period. It serves as both an active place of worship and a historical monument. The structure contains the royal mausoleum of the Muhammad Ali dynasty and is associated with the Al-Rifa'i Sufi order. Sunday–Saturday 09:00–17:00. Ramadan: 09:00–16:00. Open daily with no scheduled weekly closure day. Last admission is one hour before closing: 16:00 normally and 15:00 during Ramadan.

The mosque interior features large prayer halls with ornate decoration characteristic of its period. The royal mausoleum contains tombs of members of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, including King Farouk's father. The mosque also houses the tomb of Reza Shah of Iran. Decorative elements include stonework, woodwork, and metal fixtures. The architectural design incorporates elements intended to complement the facing Sultan Hassan Mosque. Sizable domes and minarets define the exterior profile. Open daily with no scheduled weekly closure day. Last admission is one hour before closing: 16:00 normally and 15:00 during Ramadan.

A visit to Al-Rifa'i Mosque typically requires between thirty minutes and one hour for a general observation of the main spaces. Visitors interested in architectural details, historical tombs, and comparative viewing with the adjacent Sultan Hassan Mosque may extend their stay. The mosque's scale and the presence of multiple interior chambers reward unhurried examination. Those combining this site with the facing mosque should allocate additional time. Prayer times may affect access duration. Foreign adult admission is EGP 220. Egyptian adult admission is free. The ticket also includes the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan.

Visitors should verify current opening times before travel. The mosque functions as an active religious site, so prayer times influence accessibility. Friday prayers typically draw larger congregations and may limit visitor access. Early morning or late afternoon visits may offer more favorable conditions for observation, though this depends on operational schedules. Sunday–Saturday 09:00–17:00. Ramadan: 09:00–16:00. The mosque is on Salah al-Din Square, also called Citadel Square, in Al-Khalifa. Sayeda Zeinab is a named station on Cairo Metro Line 1; from the station, continue to Salah al-Din Square by local road transport and use the square as the drop-off destination.

Entry fees, if applicable, are subject to change and should be verified through official sources. Some religious sites in Historic Cairo operate under combined ticketing arrangements with nearby monuments, though specific arrangements for Al-Rifa'i Mosque are not confirmed. Visitors should carry appropriate payment methods. Photography permits, if required, may involve separate charges. Foreign adult admission is EGP 220. Egyptian adult admission is free. The ticket also includes the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. There is no continuous step-free visitor route. Steps, thresholds and uneven historic stone surfaces obstruct access.

Al-Rifa'i Mosque occupies a prominent position in the Citadel area of Historic Cairo, facing the Mosque of Sultan Hassan. The location is accessible from multiple directions within the historic district. Taxis and ride services can approach the general area, though final access may require walking through narrow streets. The mosque is on Salah al-Din Square, also called Citadel Square, in Al-Khalifa. Sayeda Zeinab is a named station on Cairo Metro Line 1; from the station, continue to Salah al-Din Square by local road transport and use the square as the drop-off destination.

Visitors should dress modestly covering shoulders and knees as appropriate for an active mosque. Shoes must be removed before entering prayer areas. Ongoing religious observances take priority over tourism; maintain respectful silence and avoid disrupting worshippers. Photography restrictions may apply in certain zones, particularly near tombs. The site may be crowded during prayer times and religious occasions. There is no continuous step-free visitor route. The site has no elevators, and wheelchair access to interior areas is restricted. Yes. The EGP 220 foreign-adult ticket also covers the neighboring Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan.

Photography conditions at Al-Rifa'i Mosque are subject to operational discretion. Tripods and professional equipment typically require advance authorization. Flash photography may be prohibited to protect interior surfaces and respect worshippers. The mosque's architectural relationship with Sultan Hassan offers exterior photographic opportunities from the intervening plaza. Interior lighting conditions vary and may affect image quality. Respect for religious activity and other visitors must govern all photographic behavior. Specific rules should be confirmed with on-site staff. Yes. The EGP 220 foreign-adult ticket also covers the neighboring Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan.