It was build by Princess Khushyar, the mother of Khedive Ismail. Both she and her son are buried there, as well as King Farouk, the last monarch to rule Egypt, and the Shah of Iran. The mosque follows the style of Mamluk architecture, and the interior was designed by the European architect Max Herz. Coincidentally, the interior of Al-Rifai Mosque is illustrated on the Egyptian Ten pound note. The mosque is operative and thousands of Muslims prey there five times a day.
Admission is free.
Mosque of Amir Akhur Also nearby is the Mosque of Amir Akhur, directly opposite to Al-Rifai Mosque. This mosque dates from the late Mamluk period. It is adorned with multi-colored stones and has quiet and interesting interior. From its minarets you can get a nice view of Cairo and the nearby mosques. Another mosque is that of Mahmoud Pasha, dating from 1567.