The mosque houses the tomb of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, who lived in Alexandria for 43 years until his death in 1286.
The building was constructed over an older, smaller mosque that stood on the site since the 14th century.
The mosque utilizes four domes, a feature inspired by 13th-century North African architecture.
The marble used for the columns and floors was sourced from various Mediterranean regions, a hallmark of Rossi’s design style.
The mosque complex is part of a larger area known as Midan al-Masajid, which also hosts the Al-Busiri and Yaqut al-Arshi mosques.
The mosque underwent significant restoration work in the 1990s to preserve its delicate stucco ornamentation.
The Sidi Morsi Abu al-Abbas Mosque is the largest and most significant mosque in Alexandria, dedicated to a 13th-century Andalusian Sufi saint. The current structure, completed in 1945, was designed by architect Eugenio Valzania and Mario Rossi in an Andalusian style characterized by octagonal minarets and high domes. The building features a distinctive cream-colored facade decorated with intricate geometric carvings and arabesque patterns. Its main prayer hall is supported by 16 monolithic granite columns and features a marble mihrab. The mosque sits in the Anfushi district, historically the site of the saint’s original burial plot. It serves as an active place of worship and a centerpiece of the Al-Masajid square complex.
From the center of the Al-Masajid square to capture the symmetrical facade and the height of the four domes.
Visit during the late afternoon to experience the change in natural light reflecting off the cream-colored exterior walls.
Respect prayer times, as the interior is often closed to tourists during congregational services.
The surrounding Anfushi district is highly walkable; combine your visit with a stroll toward the nearby harbor.
Avoid visiting on Friday afternoons, which is the busiest time for congregational prayer, as it may be difficult to enter as a tourist.
Visitors must remove footwear before entering. Modest dress is strictly required: women should cover hair, arms, and legs; men should wear long trousers and shirts.
