Marsa Matruh travel guide

The port city of Marsa Matruh, which is particularly visited from Alexandria as a seaside resort, lies on a wide lagoon closed off from the sea by rock cliffs

The city known in ancient times as Paraetonium or Amunia, from which Alexander the Great made his historic journey to the oasis of Siwa, is now the seat of government for the north-west region (Matruh) and a trade centre for the Bedouin of the Western Desert, who sell sheep, wool and various agricultural products here.In 2005, the Egyptian ministry of tourism began a project to develop several hotels for European tourists east of Matruh. The city itself is charming, and is one of the cleanest in Egypt. The bazaar offers many goods from Libya, often trinkets. As early as 1200 BC, the region was already settled, as the remains of a temple from the time of Ramses II show. Alexander the Great started on his journey to the Amun sanctuary in the oasis Siwa from here. Queen Cleopatra used the port as a naval base against the armies of Augustus. Christianity gained a foothold in Marsa Matruh very early, as a Coptic chapel demonstrates. During the Second World War, the German field marshal Erwin Rommel set up a temporary headquarters here.

Marsa Matruh travel guide by Marco Polo is this text outdated?

Latest Reviews for Marsa Matruh

Be the first to write a review:

 You are currently not logged in. Login or register to write a review.