Amr ibn al-As Mosque
Mosque Historic mosque in Old Cairo, among Egypt's oldest
The Amr ibn al-As Mosque in Fustat (Old Cairo) dates to the 7th century and is often cited as Egypt’s earliest mosque. Visitors explore its Ottoman-era rebuilds, Islamic history and nearby Coptic and Islamic Old Cairo sites.
The Amr ibn al-As Mosque is the original mosque of Fustat (Old Cairo) and was founded in the mid-7th century CE by the Arab commander Amr ibn al-As after the Islamic conquest of Egypt.
The site has been rebuilt and expanded repeatedly over the centuries; the mosque visible today reflects multiple phases of construction and restoration rather than a single surviving 7th-century fabric. Visitors encounter a complex that illustrates successive architectural layers from early Islamic to later Ottoman and modern interventions.
Historically the mosque served as a religious, administrative and community centre for Fustat and for early Islamic Egypt, and it remained an important urban landmark through medieval and modern periods. Its repeated rebuilding reflects earthquakes, fires and urban change across more than a millennium.
Situated in the area known as Old Cairo or Fustat, the mosque lies south of central Cairo and close to other early Islamic and Coptic sites that together form a dense historic district.
- First mosque in Egypt: Founded in 642 CE by the Arab commander Amr ibn al-As, it is widely recognised as the first mosque established in Egypt and in Africa.
How to Get to Amr ibn al-As Mosque #
The Mosque of Amr ibn al‑As stands in historic Fustat (Old Cairo). It is reached from central Cairo by taxi or local bus services; most visitors travel to the Old Cairo area (the Babylon/Fustat district) by road and then walk a short distance to the mosque from the local stops. If using Cairo Metro, take it to a central station (for example Attaba/Downtown) and continue by short taxi or microbus to the Old Cairo/Fustat district where the mosque is located.
Tips for Visiting Amr ibn al-As Mosque #
- Visit the Amr ibn al‑As Mosque in Old Cairo outside of major prayer times to view its historic elements more easily-the mosque sits in the Fustat area and is best combined with nearby archaeological sites.
- Bear in mind this is a functioning mosque: dress and behave respectfully, and expect areas to be closed during congregational prayers or Islamic holidays.
- Hire a local guide or join a small guided walk through Old Cairo to understand the mosque's layered history (early Islamic origins and later reconstructions) and to access lesser-known nearby ruins.
Best Time to Visit Amr ibn al-As Mosque #
Visit Amr ibn al‑As Mosque in Cairo during the cooler months (Nov-Mar) for more comfortable sightseeing; avoid mid‑day in peak summer heat and expect busiest times at Friday prayers.
Weather & Climate near Amr ibn al-As Mosque #
Amr ibn al-As Mosque's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
