Aqmar Mosque Mosque

Medieval Fatimid-era mosque with ornate carved facade

In Cairo's historic quarter, the 12th-century Aqmar Mosque features a carved stone façade and Fatimid-era inscriptions; architects, students and walkers visit to study its urban position and medieval Islamic ornamentation.

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Aqmar Mosque at a Glance#

Address: Al-Muizz Street area, Old Cairo (historic district), Cairo, Egypt

About Aqmar Mosque#

Aqmar Mosque is a small Fatimid-era mosque in historic Islamic Cairo, noted for its ornate stone façade and street-facing orientation. It dates from the Fatimid period and is one of the better-preserved examples of early medieval mosque decoration in Cairo.

The façade projects onto the narrow street and is carved with geometric motifs, vegetal patterns and Arabic inscriptions, making the external elevation the primary highlight for most visitors. The mosque’s interior is compact and features a traditional hypostyle prayer hall and a mihrab oriented toward Mecca. Photographers often focus on the interplay of shadow across the carved stonework.

The mosque was built during the Fatimid Caliphate by a high-ranking official of the court and has undergone repairs and restorations over the centuries to preserve its stone decoration. Its role has remained religious, serving as a neighborhood mosque within the dense urban fabric of medieval Cairo.

It stands in the Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street area of Islamic Cairo, near Khan el-Khalili bazaar and other medieval monuments. The site is within the central Cairo district of historic mosques and madrassas and is easily reached on foot from nearby historic streets.

  • Street-facing façade: Sits directly on the street in historic Islamic Cairo so most views are exterior; the richly carved stone façade is best seen from pavement level.
  • Visit planning: Small interior spaces mean visits are brief; check opening hours before planning an interior visit because access can be limited.

How to Get to Aqmar Mosque#

Located on al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street in historic Cairo. The nearest major transport nodes are Bab Zuweila and Al-Azhar; walking tours of Islamic Cairo typically include the mosque.

Tips for Visiting Aqmar Mosque#

  • Look for the mihrab and the inscription bands-Aqmar is notable for its ornamental stonework.
  • Visit early morning to avoid crowds and to see how light plays on the grey‑stone facade.
  • Combine with a walking tour of Islamic Cairo to place the mosque in its urban context.

Best Time to Visit Aqmar Mosque#

Best visited in cooler months when walking Cairo's historic streets is most pleasant.

Winter
Nov-Feb · 12-20°C (54-68°F)
Cooler, more comfortable for walking in Cairo's historic districts.
Autumn/Spring
Mar-May, Sep-Oct · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Good for sightseeing though warmer; avoid peak summer heat.

Weather & Climate near Aqmar Mosque#

Climate

Aqmar 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.

Air Quality: AQI 133 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
45°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 8° - 20° 14° 6 mm some cloud 61% 2.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.3h
February Excellent 9° - 21° 15° 6 mm some cloud 56% 2.5 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.0h
March Ideal 11° - 24° 17° 4 mm some cloud 51% 2.7 m/s 1.4 high 11.9h
April Ideal 15° - 29° 22° 1 mm some cloud 44% 2.9 m/s 1.8 very high 12.8h
May Ideal 18° - 32° 25° 1 mm mostly sunny 40% 3.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.6h
June Ideal 20° - 35° 28° 0 mm clear 40% 3.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.9h
July Excellent 22° - 35° 28° 0 mm clear 42% 2.7 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.8h
August Ideal 22° - 35° 28° 0 mm mostly sunny 45% 2.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 20° - 33° 27° 0 mm clear 50% 2.9 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 1 mm clear 56% 2.6 m/s 1.3 high 11.3h
November Ideal 13° - 25° 19° 3 mm mostly sunny 59% 2.1 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.5h
December Excellent 9° - 21° 15° 7 mm mostly sunny 62% 2.4 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.1h

Nearby Attractions to Aqmar Mosque#