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- Al Azhar Mosque
Al Azhar Mosque
CairoHouses World’s 2nd Oldest Continuously-run University
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Overview
This grand mosque was built in 970 AD and has since then seen many other architectural enlargements over a period of more than 1000 years, making it a unique amalgamation of various Egyptian styles and eras.
Suggested Duration - 1-2 hours
What To Expect?
Explore the minarets, the prayer hall and central courtyard, the mihrab made of plain marble with gold patterns, the stucco carvings in the semi-dome and the grand Bab al-Muzayin?n gate constructed during Ottoman rule.
Tips
- The mosque is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., however, these timings are subject to change.
- It is advisable to avoid midday, mid-afternoon, other prayer timings during the day and Fridays for a more relaxed tour.
- Don’t miss out on the architectural details like lattice door and railings and the square wooden canopy.
- You can also pay a visit to Madrasa al-Aqbughawiyya, Madrasa al-Taybarsiyya, Bab al-Gindi (Gate of Qaytbay), and the minaret of Qaytbay.
Exploring a destination...
The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.
But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.
• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Al Azhar Mosque
How to explore a place by yourself?
"Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by - Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant Learn The Public Transportation Routes Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market
How to choose a destination to travel to?
Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there
How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?
To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations : Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget. Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy