Sayyida Zainab Mosque, Cairo Mosque

Address: Al‑Sayyida Zainab district, Cairo, Egypt

Hours: Open daily (during prayer times)

Admission: Free (functioning mosque)

The Sayyida Zainab Mosque in Cairo is a mosque and shrine complex in the district named after the figure it commemorates, Sayyida Zainab. The complex contains a tomb attributed to Zainab bint Ali and functions as an active place of worship and pilgrimage.

The mosque is an important religious and social focal point for many residents and visitors, with regular prayers and large gatherings at holy times. Architecturally the complex has been altered and expanded over time and includes a decorated dome and minaret structures typical of major urban shrines.

The shrine site has been a locus of devotion for centuries and the present complex reflects multiple phases of repair and rebuilding that correspond to its long use as a pilgrimage destination in Cairo.

The mosque sits in southern Cairo in a dense urban neighbourhood that takes its name from the shrine; it is integrated into the city’s street network and commercial districts.

• Pilgrimage periods: The site is a major focal point for Shia pilgrims in Cairo and becomes especially crowded during Muharram and other religious commemorations.
• Function and layout: Located in the neighbourhood that bears the same name, the mosque-shrine complex contains a mausoleum attributed to Zainab bint Ali and a large prayer hall used for congregational services.

• Aim to visit outside peak prayer times (Friday midday and major religious holidays) when the area around Sayyida Zainab Mosque is busiest with pilgrims.
• Respect local customs inside and around the mosque - modest dress and observing photography restrictions in religious areas will help avoid conflicts; check for any visitor-specific guidance from local authorities.