Founded by Sultan Hassan in the 14C, this gigantic madrasa (almost 80 000m²) is a gem of Mamluk era architecture. Behind its long, tall façade, which lends it the look of a fortress, lies the central courtyard, bathed in light, and in the centre of which stands an ablutions basin. Each façade has an iwan (vaulted area), used for religious teaching (Sunnism). The minaret with three galleries is the tallest in Cairo (86m).