Synagogue of Ben Ezra and Amr ibn al‑As Mosque, Old Cairo

The short answer

Synagogue of Ben Ezra and Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the Synagogue of Ben Ezra and the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque in Cairo, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations

Cairo

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Visit the Synagogue of Ben Ezra in Old Cairo – our timed entry includes 30–45 minutes for manuscripts and architecture.
• 02 Enter Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque (est. 641–642 CE) with our guide; we explain its successive rebuilds and site plan.
• 03 We schedule visits to avoid Friday Jumu'ah and main prayer times; tourist access is often restricted midday.
• 04 Expect walking on uneven stone and courtyard steps; plan comfortable shoes and shaded water breaks with our driver.
• 05 Unlike cruise or group schedules, we give 45–60 minutes at each site and flexible photo time.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 What is the historical significance of the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque?

   The Ben Ezra Synagogue houses manuscript fragments called the Cairo Geniza; the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque was Egypt’s first mosque, founded in 641–642 CE. Both sit in Old Cairo and reflect Jewish and early Islamic communal life. The Geniza documents illuminate medieval Mediterranean trade and religious practice; the mosque's site marks the original Arab settlement of Fustat and shows successive rebuilds and restorations.
2. 02 Can I visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue and Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque in one trip?

   Yes – both sites are in Old Cairo and can be visited together on the same walking visit. We typically allow 2–3 hours to see both at a measured pace; unlike large coach tours that rush Old Cairo, we avoid peak prayer times. Access can be restricted during Friday prayers and some Jewish or Islamic holidays, so we confirm timing before you travel.
3. 03 What is the dress code for visiting Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque and Ben Ezra Synagogue?

   Modest dress is required at the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque; women should carry a headscarf for entry to the prayer area. Shoulders and knees should be covered for all visitors; shoes are usually removed before entering mosque prayer spaces. The Ben Ezra Synagogue expects modest dress as well and may provide head coverings or kippot for visitors on request.
4. 04 Are photography and filming allowed inside the synagogue and mosque?

   Photography is generally permitted at both sites, but restrictions apply during prayers and inside certain display rooms. Flash, tripods, and professional equipment are commonly restricted; curators or mosque staff decide on-site. If you need a permit for commercial or academic photography, we can arrange permissions in advance through our licensed Egyptian tour operator.
5. 05 Are the Ben Ezra Synagogue and Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque wheelchair accessible?

   Both sites have uneven flooring, low thresholds, and some stairs; full wheelchair access is limited. Ben Ezra's interior spaces are narrow and may require assistance; Amr Ibn Al-Aas has courtyard areas that are flatter but still have thresholds. We can provide porter assistance, alternative routing, and a mobility assessment before booking to set realistic expectations.
6. 06 Are entrance fees and guided tours included for these sites?

   Standard public entrance fees for both sites are included in our bookings unless the itinerary states otherwise. Premium access (private after-hours visits, photography permits, or specialist-room access) usually carries extra charges. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange a private visit with one of our Egyptologists, who will confirm availability and any additional costs before you book.