Fodor's Expert Review Mosque of Amir al-Maridani

Featuring fine examples of virtually every decorative art in vogue during the 14th century, this mosque was built by a son-in-law of Sultan Nasir al-Muhammad who died at the tender age of 25. It was then completed under the supervision of the sultan's architect. As you enter the sanctuary behind the fine mashrabiya (projected oriel windows made of wood), you’ll notice a collection of pillars of pharaonic, Christian, and Roman origin. The mihrab (prayer niche) is made of marble inlay and mother-of-pearl, and the wooden minbar (pulpit) is also beautifully carved and inlaid. Above the mihrab are excellent original stucco carvings, unique in Cairo for their naturalistically rendered tree motif, as well as dados of inlaid marble with square Kufic script.

Outside, be sure to admire the first example of a minaret in octagonal form from bottom to top. It is shaped like a pavilion, with eight columns carrying a pear-shaped bulb crown. Note, too, that this mosque is an active community center, so it's open longer than other monuments.