Exploring the Historic Attarine Mosque in Alexandria

The Attarine Mosque stands on a site that has hosted religious worship since at least 370 AD, making it one of the oldest spiritual locations in Alexandria. Originally established as the Church of Saint Athanasius, the building underwent a significant transition in 641 AD following the Arab conquest of Egypt. Today, the mosque serves as a quiet sanctuary—rarely crowded by international tourists—within the energetic streets of the old city district. While the structure seen by modern visitors dates largely to a massive 1901 reconstruction, the ground beneath the foundations holds over sixteen centuries of Mediterranean history.

From Ancient Church to Islamic Landmark

The 370 AD Foundations and St. Athanasius

The earliest historical records indicate that a church dedicated to Athanasius of Alexandria was consecrated here in the late 4th century. For nearly three hundred years, this Byzantine-era structure functioned as a major Christian center before the political shifts of the 7th century arrived. After the city fell to Muslim forces in 641 AD, the building was adapted for Islamic prayer, eventually earning the name of the nearby spice market. Local oral traditions and early travelers often referred to it as the Mosque of a Thousand Columns due to the dense forest of ancient pillars that once supported its interior.

Conversion and the Fatimid Era Restoration

By the 11th century, the original conversion had fallen into disrepair, prompting the Fatimid vizier Badr al-Jamali to order a total restoration in 1057 AD. He utilized funds from local taxes to reinforce the walls and secure the site as a congregational Friday mosque. An original stone inscription from this Fatimid period survived multiple collapses and remains fixed above the entrance today. This artifact represents the only structural element that precedes the modern era, linking the current building to the medieval caliphate.

Architectural Design and the 1901 Rebuild

The Triangular Footprint and Multi-Level Minaret

When Khedive Abbas II commissioned the final reconstruction in 1901, the architects had to contend with an unusually shaped plot of land. The mosque occupies a rectangular interior space that appears triangular from the outside due to the convergence of surrounding streets. The most striking feature of this design is the minaret located at the southeastern corner. It rises in four distinct stages: a square base, an octagonal second level, a circular third level, and a decorative dome at the peak. This variety in geometry is rare in Alexandria and provides a clear visual timeline of different Islamic architectural influences.

The Legend of Alexander the Great's Sarcophagus

A peculiar historical drama unfolded in the mosque courtyard during the late 18th century. In 1798, members of Napoleon’s scientific expedition discovered a massive green breccia sarcophagus covered in hieroglyphs within the mosque grounds. Local residents believed it was the tomb of Alexander the Great, and the French attempted to ship it to Paris. Following the British victory in 1801, the artifact was seized and moved to the British Museum in London. Later scholarship revealed the sarcophagus actually belonged to Nectanebo II—the last native pharaoh of Egypt—though the site is still discussed by those searching for the lost Macedonian king.

Practical Information for Visitors

Navigating the Spice Market and Entry Protocols

Visitors will find the mosque at the intersection of Attarine Mosque Street and Sidi al-Mutawalli Street. The southern side of the building contains eight small commercial shops whose rent traditionally funds the mosque's maintenance. Most travelers overlook this site in favor of the larger Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, but the smaller crowds here offer a more intimate look at local devotion. Conservative dress is required—men should wear long trousers and women should cover their hair and shoulders—and shoes must be removed before stepping onto the prayer rugs.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit

The interior is most reliably accessible during the primary prayer windows, particularly around Dhuhr (noon) or Asr (afternoon) prayers. Outside of these times, the main gates are sometimes locked to preserve the quiet of the sanctuary. Photographers should note that the early morning light hits the octagonal minaret at an angle that highlights the intricate stone carvings without the harsh shadows of the midday sun. Because there is no formal ticket booth or entry fee, a small donation to the mosque caretaker is a respectful gesture after a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry fee for the Attarine Mosque?

There is no official ticket price or entrance fee for visitors at this time. Most travelers enter for free, although leaving a small tip or donation for the mosque staff is common practice. Check the current local guidelines as regulations can change without notice.

Where is the sarcophagus that was found in the mosque?

The green stone sarcophagus once housed in the mosque courtyard is now on permanent display at the British Museum in London. It was removed from Alexandria in 1802 after the British defeated the French forces in Egypt. Historians confirmed it belonged to Pharaoh Nectanebo II rather than Alexander the Great.

Can women visit the interior of the mosque?

Women are permitted to visit provided they follow the standard Islamic dress code of covering the head, arms, and legs. The mosque features a dedicated second-floor prayer area specifically for female worshippers. It is best to visit outside of the busiest Friday congregational prayer times to ensure easy access.

When was the current version of the mosque built?

While the site has been used for religious purposes since 370 AD, the current building was constructed in 1901. Khedive Abbas II ordered this total renovation after the previous medieval structure suffered significant structural decay. Only a single Fatimid-era stone inscription remains from the earlier versions of the building.