|
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.
|
