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Al Hakim Mosque, situated in the city of a thousand minarets, Cairo, is a stunning example of Fatimid architecture built between 990 and 1013 AD. Named after Caliph Al Hakimbi-Amr Allah, it features grand arches, a rectangular courtyard, and two unique minarets with stone domes. Its walls are adorned with Kufic inscriptions and geometric designs. The mosque, originally a fort, blends function and beauty. It’s one of Cairo’s largest mosques, covering an area of 13,560 square meters. Restored in the 1980s, it serves as a cultural landmark and a prayer space, showcasing Egypt’s rich Islamic heritage and history.
Quick Details About Al-Hakim Mosque
Built Around: 10th to 11th Century AD
Address: Al-Muizz Street, Cairo, Egypt
Timings: 12 PM – 10 PM
Best Time To Visit: March to November
Time Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Cairo International Airport
Location
Photo: Raduasandei / Wikimedia Commons
The Al-Hakim Mosque is situated at Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi Street, also known as Al-Muizz Street. It is in El Gamaliya, a part of the Cairo Governorate. Near the mosque, there are attractions like the Abdeen Palace Museum and Cairo Citadel, both of which are must-visit places.
How To Reach Al-Hakim Mosque
Photo: Alensha / Wikimedia Commons
Al-Hakim Mosque is a historic mosque situated in Egypt. Here is how you can reach this famous religious site with ease:
By Air: Cairo International Airport is the closest airport to the Al-Hakim Mosque, lying approximately fifteen kilometres from the mosque.
By Road: Taxis and buses frequently visit the place where Al-Hakim Mosque is located in Cairo. The Al-Darrasah bus station lies just a few minutes away from the mosque.
By Train: Ramses Railway Station is located five kilometres away from the mosque and is the nearest railway station to the Al-Hakim Mosque.
Things To Do At Al-Hakim Mosque
The following are a few things that you can do at the Al-Hakim Mosque that will become a part of your cherished memories:
1. Admire Its Architecture
Photo: Radosław Botev / Wikimedia Commons
The Al-Hakim Mosque is blessed with mesmerising architecture and has ornate carvings. A few of the notable sites on the premises of Al-Hakim Mosque are its courtyard, prayer room, and stunning minarets, which have intricate carvings on them. Here, you will find a fountain as well as a garden with a paved pathway that reflects the beauty surrounding it. The sunlight reaching inside the mosque gets filtered by the stained window glasses, which form a breathtaking view filled with tranquillity.
2. Learn About Its History
Photo: Omar Attallah / Wikimedia Commons
Al-Hakim Mosque was built during the reign of Al Hakimbi-Amr Allah, a Fatimid caliph. He was known to be an enigmatic ruler due to his unconventional policies. The ruler ordered the construction of the mosque to showcase it as a symbol of the influence and power of the Fatimid dynasty. Over many centuries, the Al-Hakim Mosque played a vital role and served as a religious centre. It became a hub of cultural exchange and has witnessed numerous prayers, celebrations, and sermons throughout history.
Places To Visit Near Al-Hakim Mosque
After visiting the majestic Al-Hakim Mosque, you can explore these five places to continue your blissful exploration journey in Cairo.
1. Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque
Photo: Mohammed Moussa / Wikimedia Commons
Amr ibn al-As Mosque, known by several names, such as Taj al-Jawame, Jame al-Ateeq, and Masjid Ahl ar-Rayah, was the first mosque to exist in Africa. It was built around 642 CE by a commanding general with the same name as the mosque, Amr ibn al-As. There is a legend related to this mosque that the general was looking for a place to designate as the capital of the won land. One day, he noticed that a bird laid an egg in his tent, on finding which he declared the spot as the capital of the won land. The place where he declared it became the construction site of Amr ibn al-As Mosque.
Location: Old Cairo, Egypt
Distance from Al-Hakim Mosque: 8 kilometres
2. Muhammad Ali Mosque
Photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commonst
The Muhammad Ali Mosque was built in the 19th century AD and can house around ten thousand devotees at a time. It has two magnificent minarets and contains a mix of Ottoman and Islamic architecture. The mosque walls are covered in alabaster, which is why it is famously known as the Alabaster Mosque. This well-known mosque is situated inside the Cairo Citadel and was constructed by an Ottoman governor, Muhammad Ali. The tomb of Muhammad Ali lies here and is marked by a gifted marble headstone. It is one of the prominent mosques located in Cairo, and it has intricate carvings that seem breathtaking.
Location: Al Abageyah, Egypt
Distance from Al-Hakim Mosque: 5 kilometres
3. Al-Azhar Mosque
Photo: R Prazeres / Wikimedia Commons
Al-Azhar Mosque was established around the 10th century AD and is one of the main mosques in Cairo, famous for being a well-known place of education among Sunni Muslims. It is based on Islamic architecture and has five astonishing minarets. The mosque can house around twenty thousand devotees at a time. It is spread over a hundred thousand square feet and holds historical significance. Over the years, the mosque has been expanded and renovated and still some original parts can be seen. At a point in time, it became a centre of education where Islamic teachings were taught to the devotees.
Location: El Gamaliya, Egypt
Distance from Al-Hakim Mosque: 7 kilometres
4. Gayer-Anderson Museum
Photo: Djehouty / Wikimedia Commons
The Gayer-Anderson Museum is a renowned art museum and was constructed around the 16th century AD. It takes support from one of the walls of Ahmad ibn Tulun Mosque and consists of two buildings, which were adjoined later. It houses several antiques from the 16th and 17th centuries AD, which fascinate the visitors. The museum has many legends related to it and is said to be a spot where God spoke to Moses. It got its name from a major in the Egyptian Army who used to reside at this place around the 20th century. While visiting this museum, you can observe the architecture and vintage furniture, which showcase the significance of this place in the modern world.
Location: Al Sayeda Zeinab, Egypt
Distance from Al-Hakim Mosque: 4 kilometres
5. The Egyptian Museum
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
The Egyptian Museum is famously called the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities and is known to house the most number of Egyptian antiques in the world. There are over one hundred thousand artefacts displayed in this museum, which is spread over an area of 121 acres. Some of the famous antiques stored here are the gold burial mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun and the statue of Khasekhemwy. It has artefacts from the prehistoric period and also houses a library. It has neoclassic architecture and was established around the early 20th century. This magnificent museum of Cairo is placed on a tentative list to be recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Location: Tahrir, Egypt
Distance from Al-Hakim Mosque: 4 Kilometres
Where To Stay
Photo: Opera Cadet / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are several places near the Al-Hakim Mosque where you can enjoy a comfortable stay, and they are located in a nearby area to major attractions. Some of the places where you can stay are Arabian Nights, Golden Palace, Paradise Boutique, and Eileen Hotels. Here, you will be provided with facilities like an airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, room service, etc.
Where To Eat
Photo: Dina Said / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Whether you are looking to savour Egyptian cuisine or others, Cairo is filled with fabulous restaurants that serve flavourful food. A few of the places that you can try near Al-Hakim Mosque are Baba Abdo, Wust El Balad, Abou Al Zouz, and La Zisa. Each of them serves delicious food, which is like a treat for your taste buds.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Sherief1969 / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers
- It is advised to both men and women to wear modest clothes inside the premises of the mosque and ensure to cover their hair, shoulders, and legs.
- Visitors can enter the mosque for a tour during non-prayer hours. However, access to some areas might be limited.
- In general, taking photographs is allowed but visitors are asked to respect the devotees and maintain tranquillity inside the worship area.
Al-Hakim Mosque is a remarkable symbol of Egypt’s Islamic heritage, combining history, culture, and architectural beauty. Its intricate designs, massive courtyard, and unique minarets attract visitors from all corners of the world. Restored with care, it remains a serene space for worship and reflection. Book your trip with TripXL to Cairo and admire this Fatimid-era craftsmanship amidst serene surroundings.
Cover Photo: Wael Mostafa / Wikimedia Commons
