Mosque of Amr ibn al-As

Standing in the old settlement of Fustat, this is regarded as the first mosque built in Egypt and in all of Africa, founded in the seventh century by the Arab commander who conquered the country. Nothing of the original structure remains, as the mosque has been rebuilt and enlarged many times, but the present form preserves a vast arcaded courtyard filled with rows of columns. It remains an active place of worship and holds particular significance during Ramadan. Its site near the Coptic quarter marks the earliest Muslim foundation of the city.