The Sultan Hassan Mosque and the accompanying madrassa or
religious school was built in the 14th Century. It is considered one
of the most impressive Islamic monuments in the world, built entirely of stone
and built to give the impression of height. The cornices, the entrance, the
courtyard, and the monumental staircase are particularly noteworthy. Visitors
should go in the morning when the sun lights up the dark mausoleum.
Madrassa and Mausoleum of Qalaun
This 13th century edifice is stunningly decorated
with an elaborate stucco arch bearing stars and floral motifs, ornate coffered
ceilings and stained glass. Nearby are the Mausoleum of an-Nasir Mohammed and the Madrassa and Khanqah of Sultan Barquq, which also boasts
splendid architecture.
Ibn Tulun Mosque
Built in the 9th Century, this is one of oldest
mosques in Cairo. Covering six
acres, it is built of mud brick and wood and is simple in décor. The pointed
arches are the first of their kind. The views from the high minaret are
magnificent.
The Citadel
While nothing remains of Saladin’s original 12th
Century palace, there are still numerous mosques and museums within this
enclosure. These include the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, with its huge dome and
four surrounding semidomes, and the Mosque of Al Nasir. The fortifications were
built to repel the Crusaders but remained the residence of the rulers of Egypt
well into the 19th Century. The view of Cairo
from this place is nothing short of spectacular.
Museum of Islamic Art
This museum contains one of the finest collections of
Islamic art in the world. The rooms contain carved woodwork and columns, mosaic
fountains, metalwork and other architectural exhibits salvaged from crumbling
mosques and mausoleums throughout Egypt.