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Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, Alexandria

White carved stone façade of the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque in Alexandria with two ribbed domes
Photo: Papillus, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The essentials in 10 seconds

Entry
Free — a working mosque, no tickets
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Hours
Daily; visitors between prayer times, best mid-morning and early afternoon, avoid Friday midday (unofficial)
Time on site
A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes.
20 min
With kids
Fine with kids
When to visit
Between the five daily prayers; avoid Friday midday prayers
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Dress code
Shoulders and knees covered; headscarf for women; shoes off at the door
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Women’s prayer hall
Separate, in the western part of the mosque
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Time needed
20–30 minutes
Money
Nothing to pay; carry small Egyptian pounds in cash to tip the shoe attendant
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Getting there
From Saad Zaghloul Square: ≈ 10 min by Uber or taxi, ≈ 30 min on foot along the Corniche
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Where
Anfoushi, western end of the Eastern Harbour; ≈ 1 km from Qaitbay Citadel
Coordinates
31.20561, 29.88225YesGo MapGoogleApple

Key facts

73 mminaret — a landmark you can see from the Corniche
2 sourcesEnglish WikipediaEgyptToursPlus
1307first mosque built over the saint’s grave by Sheikh Zain al-Din al-Qattan
3 sourcesEnglish and Russian WikipediaWikidataEgyptian Geographic
Mario RossiItalian architect of the present building, built over the 1930s–40s
4 sourcesEnglish Wikipedia (Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi MosqueMario Rossi (architect))Egyptian GeographicEgyptToursPlus
Murciathe saint’s birthplace in al-Andalus (1219) — hence “al-Mursi”
3 sourcesEnglish Wikipedia (Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi)Egyptian GeographicEgyptToursPlus
5 domesone large dome over the prayer hall and four smaller ones
2 sourcesEnglish WikipediaEgyptToursPlus
3,200 m²courtyard laid out on King Fouad I’s orders in 1934
2 sourcesEnglish WikipediaEgyptian Geographic
1477rebuilt by the Mamluk governor of Alexandria
2 sourcesEnglish WikipediaEgyptian Geographic
Shadhiliyyathe Sufi order: al-Mursi was a pupil of its founder, Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili
2 sourcesEnglish Wikipedia (Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi)Egyptian Geographic
Al-Busiriauthor of the Burda and al-Mursi’s disciple, buried in the mosque next door
2 sourcesEnglish Wikipedia (Al-BusiriAl-Busiri Mosque)
Marble and mosaicwhite marble floors, mosaic walls and a teak minbar
2 sourcesEnglish WikipediaEgyptian Geographic

Is there an entry fee? Hours and visiting rules

No — the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is a working mosque with free entry, no tickets and no ticket office. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome between the five daily prayers. Come mid-morning or early afternoon, and skip Friday around midday, when the week’s main prayer fills the hall and the square outside.

Prayer times move with the sun every day, so check a local prayer app or simply wait at the door — the break is usually short. During Ramadan the mosque is busiest in the evening; daytime is better for a visit.

The only money you need is a few small Egyptian pound notes to tip the attendant who minds your shoes. Cards are no use here, so keep some cash.

How to get to Abu al-Abbas Mosque

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On foot

More tips

  1. Start from Saad Zaghloul Square on the Eastern Harbour, next to Raml Station in the city centre. Alexandria’s trams are currently shut for reconstruction (unofficial), so ignore older advice to take one.
  2. Quickest: Uber, or a taxi heading west along the Corniche — about 10 minutes without traffic. Street taxis rarely run the meter, so agree the fare before you get in and pay in cash.
  3. On foot: follow the Corniche round the harbour — about 1.7 km as the crow flies, 30–35 minutes. Aim for the tall white minaret.
  4. The mosque stands on a square in Anfoushi, a few minutes inland from the seafront, sharing a courtyard with two smaller mosques. The main door faces the square.
  5. Carry on to Qaitbay Citadel — about 1 km, a 15–20 minute walk through Anfoushi.

History: who was Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi?

Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi was born in 1219 in Murcia, in Muslim Spain — hence his name. In Tunis he became a pupil of the Sufi master Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili, founder of the Shadhiliyya order, followed him to Alexandria and taught here for several decades. He died in the city in the 1280s.

A small domed mosque went up over his grave in 1307, and a Mamluk governor rebuilt it in 1477. What you see today is 20th-century: in 1934 King Fouad I ordered a large new courtyard, and the Italian architect Mario Rossi designed the present mosque. The work took over fifteen years and finished in the mid-1940s.

The style is usually described as Andalusian, a nod to the saint’s homeland — pale carved stone, ribbed domes and a 73-metre minaret. For Egyptians this is first of all a shrine: people come to pray at the tomb, not to admire the architecture.

What to see inside and around

  • The façade and minaret — carved white stone, an arched portal and ribbed domes; the best shot is from the square.
  • The prayer hall — marble floor, tall granite columns, mosaic panels, carved wooden mashrabiya screens and a bronze chandelier.
  • The teak minbar with Qur’anic verses in gold, and the marble-framed mosaic mihrab.
  • The saint’s tomb beneath the main dome, with some of his disciples buried beside him. People pray here — keep your voice down.
  • Al-Busiri Mosque next door, on the shared courtyard: the tomb of the poet of the Burda, al-Mursi’s own disciple. The Yaqut al-Arshi Mosque is beside it.
  • Anfoushi — the old streets between the mosque and the harbour, on the way to Qaitbay.

Can you take photos inside?

Yes, photographing the building and the hall is fine — just switch off the flash. Don’t photograph people at prayer or at the tomb without asking, and keep the camera down during prayer times. For the whole building in one frame, step back to the Corniche: from the narrow square the minaret won’t fit.

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Abu al-Abbas Mosque vs Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca

Abu al-Abbas Mosqueyou are hereWorking mosque and saint’s shrineFreeNever, but not at prayer times≈ 1.7 km as the crow flies20–30 minStrict; headscarf for women
Qaitbay Citadel15th-century Mamluk fort200 EGPOpen daily≈ 1.9 km≈ 1 hNone
Bibliotheca AlexandrinaModern library with museums150 EGPFriday≈ 1.3 km≈ 1.5 hNone

The mosque and the citadel are 1 km apart — one easy walk. The Bibliotheca is at the opposite, eastern end of the harbour.

Is Abu al-Abbas Mosque worth visiting?

Yes, if you are heading to Qaitbay: it is on the way, it costs nothing, and 20–30 minutes is enough to see Alexandria’s finest Islamic interior. It is also a living place, with pilgrims and prayer, not a museum.

Don’t cross the city just for it: the halls are not huge and there are no signs or displays for visitors. If you have already seen Cairo’s great mosques, a few minutes outside may be enough. And it is not for you if you won’t follow the dress code or can only come on a Friday at midday.

The western harbour in half a day

The mosque, the fort on the site of the Pharos lighthouse, a Corniche walk and the Bibliotheca to finish. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.

  1. Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosqueyou are here20 min · Free, between prayer times
  2. 15 min walk from the previous stopCitadel of Qaitbay1 h · 200 EGP, students 100 EGP
  3. 31 min walk from the previous stopAlexandria Corniche1 h · Free
  4. 18 min walk from the previous stopBibliotheca Alexandrina1 h 30 min · 150 EGP, 300 EGP with museums

4 places · about 4 h 54 min with walks · 64 min on foot in total

Go · my route

Nearby — add to your day

Citadel of Qaitbay

Alexandria, Egypt

1 h · 200 EGP, students 100 EGP · 15 min walk

Alexandria Corniche

Alexandria, Egypt

1 h · Free · 30 min walk

How to do it right

  • Pair the mosque with Qaitbay Citadel: it is about 1 km away through Anfoushi.
  • Mid-morning or early afternoon is the quiet window between prayers.
  • Keep a scarf in your bag all day in Egypt — you will need one in every mosque.
  • Wear socks: you walk the marble floor without shoes.
  • After the mosque, walk the Corniche round the harbour — the minaret stays in view for a long way.

Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque?

No. It is a working mosque and entry is free. A small tip in Egyptian pounds for the shoe attendant is customary.

Can non-Muslims visit Abu al-Abbas Mosque?

Yes, between prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees, women need a headscarf, and shoes come off at the door. Avoid Friday midday.

What are the opening hours?

The mosque is open daily from early morning to evening, but visitors should come between the five prayers — mid-morning and early afternoon work best. There are no official visiting hours.

What should I wear to the mosque?

Long trousers or a long skirt and covered shoulders; nothing sheer or tight. Women should bring a headscarf. Socks make the marble floor more comfortable.

How do I get to Abu al-Abbas Mosque?

From Saad Zaghloul Square take an Uber or taxi west along the Corniche (about 10 minutes), or walk round the harbour in 30–35 minutes. Trams are currently closed for reconstruction.

How far is it from Qaitbay Citadel?

About 1 km — a 15–20 minute walk through the Anfoushi quarter, so the two make an easy pair.

Who was Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi?

A 13th-century Sufi master born in Murcia, Spain, and a pupil of al-Shadhili, founder of the Shadhiliyya order. He taught in Alexandria for decades and is buried here.

When was the mosque built?

The first mosque over the tomb dates from 1307 and was rebuilt in 1477. The present building, by Italian architect Mario Rossi, went up in the 1930s–40s.

Is Abu al-Abbas Mosque worth visiting?

Yes, if you are going to Qaitbay anyway — it is free, on the way and takes 20–30 minutes. Not worth a special trip across the city on its own.

Have you been? Was it worth your time?

1 — no, 5 — absolutely

Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.

Sources and fact-check

  • English Wikipedia: Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque; Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi; Mario Rossi (architect); Al-Busiri Mosque; Al-Busiri
  • Russian Wikipedia: Мечеть Абу-ль-Аббаса аль-Мурси; Wikidata Q1323845
  • Egyptian Geographic: article on the al-Mursi Abu al-Abbas Mosque — history, architecture, the saint’s life
  • EgyptToursPlus: Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque — architecture and visiting rules (unofficial)
  • Lonely Planet: Mosque of Abu Abbas al-Mursi — tomb and shoes (unofficial)
  • OpenStreetMap — address and coordinates; Global Mass Transit, 09.04.2026 — Raml tram suspension
YesGo editorial team · facts checked 03.11.2026 ·
How we checkedThe mosque has no official website or tickets, so free entry, visiting times and the dress code come from travel sources and are marked “verifying”. Historical facts are checked against at least two sources. The saint’s death year differs (1281, 1286 or 1287), so we say “the 1280s”. Dates for the present building also vary — 1929–1945, 1934–1943, 1943–1945 — so we say “1930s–40s”; the 1775 date on some sites is not used. Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap coordinates.

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