Sightseeing in Marsa Alam

Sightseeing in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is increasingly becoming one of the popular tourist destinations in Egypt. Here is where you can enjoy both the rugged desert sands and also the limpid blue water of the Red Sea. It's also a place of great historical significance and there are plenty of sites that you can visit during your stay. Here are some of them:

Emerald Mines, Marsa Alam:
Emeralds were treated as symbols of great power and eternity. There are two legendary mines in this region that are Cleopatra and Mons Smaragdus. There are plenty of ruins all around and you can still see the mineshafts, windows, niches and walls. These mines are located in the desert area between Marsa Alam and the Nile Valley. Guided tours are conducted in these places for the convenience of the tourists.

Bir Umm Fawakhir, Marsa Alam:
It is a Gold mining settlement that was probably established in the 5th and the 6th century. The Christians occupying this settlement mined the surrounding mountains for gold. The buildings are still there with ancient inscriptions etched on them granite boulders.

Mons Claudianus, Marsa Alam:
This was an ancient Roman settlement built in the sandy deserts between the Red Sea and the Nile. The settlement used gray granite from the surrounding mountains in order to build beautiful columns and also to add grandeur to the ordinary houses and buildings. The remnants of the settlement are admirable and you will also like the unfinished temple of Venus and the Hadrian's villa.

Quseir Fortress, Marsa Alam:
The Sultan Selim built the Quseir Fortress in Marsa Alam in the 16th century. The Ottoman Fortress in located right in the center of the town Quseir. The troops of Napolean seized the fortress in 1799 and fortified it with canons mounted high on the walls. The fortress gradually lost its importance after the opening of the Suez Canal in the year 1869. The museum has been presently refurbished and a museum has been opened in the fortress that displays historical memorabilia.

Myos Hormos, Marsa Alam:
This is an ancient port that was used as a trade link between Egypt and India. The Romans used the port to export goods like metals, textiles and gems in order to receive silk, pearl, spices and medicines.

Wadi Hammamat, Marsa Alam:
The bekheny stone that was extensively used for pyramid making came mainly from this region. There are plenty of rock carvings that are still to be found here.

Wadi el Gemal National Park:
It is renowned for its varied terrains, as it comprises of both dry riverbeds and also coastal regions.

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