Mosques and islamic sites, Alexandria

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I'm not sure that the Sidi Bishr Mosque is terribly historical or of any great importance, but it is a structure that is quite imposing as you go along the Corniche. Sidi Bishr is the largest neighbourhood in the city and was established as a summering area for the wealthy prior to the 1952 Revolution. This particular mosque is a massive structure adorned with various religious verses on its exterior. In the small parkette out front, there is an interesting small gazebo with a fountain.

A prominent landmark on the Corniche about halfway between the downtown area and the fortress of Quait Bey, the present structure was built in 1938 to designs by an Italian architect. To me it has an air of romantic faux-orientalism that reminds me irresistibly of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton

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Very historic and a beautiful mosque. This Andalusian-style mosque is the largest in the city situated in Al-Anfushi on Mosque Square overlooking the eastern harbour. It has four domes and a very tall minaret.

Facts about the mosque;
- Founded 1307; rebuilt many times; present building dates from 1775; substantially renovated 1943
- Area: 3,000 sq m; outer walls: 23 m high; ceilings: 17.2 m high; minaret: 73 m high; minbar: 6.35 m high
- Woman cannot visit the mosque itself, but can visit the mausolem and view the interior of the mosque from behind a barrier.

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This lace-like mosque is the biggest and probably the most wonderful in Alexandria, if not in the whole Egypt. Just take a few moments to admire its many details!

The mosque was originally built in 1775, and dedicated to the Andalusian saint Ahmed Abu al-Abbas. Thus the name. In 1943 the four domes and a minaret were added.

Inside the mosque there is a colonnade and eight granite columns.

Tourists can visit most of the mosques in Alexandria, but they should dress modestly and women must cover their heads with a headscarf. As for the mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas, women can only visit one of its side rooms. Remember to leave your shoes at the entry (you’ll get a piece of paper with a number) and collect them on your way out by making a donation (usually 1 Egyptian pound).

Abu El Abbas El Mursi is considered one of the most important historic mosques in Alexandria and Egypt as well. It was constructed in 1775 by Algerians, over the tomb of the thirteenth century Murcia Andalusan saint, Ahmed Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi (Abu'l 'Abbas).
The cream-colored Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque stands 23 m high and dressed in artificial stone, with a minaret on the southern side rising to 73 m.

It is situated on Midan el Masaged (Mosque Square) near the shore of the eastern harbor. The minaret has an Ayoubids design, with four sections of different shapes. The mosque has an entrance on the north and one on the east, both of which overlook the square. The main part of the mosque is an octagon, with internal walls are dressed in artificial stone.

Woman cannot visit the mosque itself, but can visit the mausolem and view the interior of the mosque from behind a barrier.

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The white colour of the Mosque of Abu Abbas al-Mursi looks beautiful against the blue sky. It is situated in the area Anfushi, in the middle of the square, not too far from the Cornish. It is absolutely worth taking a closer look at the mosque. The mosque was built in the 1940s, but before there had been a mosque there since the 13th century.

If you walk along the Corniche towards Fort Qaitbey, you can't miss the huge mosque of El Attareen. It lies in an impressive square full of palm trees, and is one of the more beautiful buildings in downtown Alexandria. I would have gone in, but my travel companion told me it was coffee and chicha time. Around the mosque are several narrow lanes forming the old quarters of Alexandria. Unfortunately, there is not much left, in comparison with Cairo or other Egyptian cities, but you can come across an overhanging Ottoman house or a quiet backstreet cafe if you are determined. The souqs also begin near here...a very good area to get lost in.

You are welcome to go inside the Mosque and have a look around. The decor is quite ornate, especially the interior of the main dome of the Mosque.

Just check your shoes at the front door and head in. Note: both men and women are welcome, but must enter through separate door. (men through the main front door, and women through the doors around on the left side of the Mosque.)