Mersa Matrouh

Mersa Matrouh lies 290 km. West of Alexandria and 222 km. from Sallum. The distance from Cairo to Matrouh is 524 km. It lies on a bay on the Mediterranean and is distinguished by its seven km. long beach, which-as all visitors have testified-is one of the most beautiful in the world.

The beach is famous for its white soft sands and calm transparent waters, for the bay is protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural wave-breaker, with a small opening to allow light vessels in.

This beach dates back to the days of Alexander, the Macedonian, when it was known as "Paraetonium" and also as "Amunia". It said that Alexander the Great stopped there during his historical expedition to pay tribute, and sacrifice, to the god Amun, at Siwa, so that he becomes Amun's son and his rule be a historical continuation of the pharaohs. There are ruins of a temple from the time of Rameses II (1200 B.C.) in Matrouh.

Monument and Tourist Sites

Egyptian Fleet Anchorage
Built the Ptolemies, the remains of the naval installations still stand west of the port.

Coptic Chapel
Built the early Coptic age, and contains several caves bearing inscriptions.

Rommel's Hideout
A cave, hewn in the rock, where Rommel drew up plans of his military operations. It has now been turned into a military museum.

Beaches

Ageebah Beach
About 28 km. west of Mersa Matrouh, it is distinguished by its numerous natural caves and enchanting scenery.

Al-Abyad Beach
About 20 km. west of Mersa Matrouh beauty surpasses that of Mersa Matrouh beach.

Marina Ruins-Alamein
An ancient city discovered in 1985, it comprises temples, tombs baths and nobles' houses, from the Graeco-Roman period. It is the largest archaeological city after Alexandria.

The British Cemetery: Thousands upon thousands of rock-hewn tombstones stand straight rows amidst a fenced garden.

The British Cemetery

The German Cemetery: It is a fortress like memorial that was built on a high overlooking the
sea.

The Italian Cemetery: It is a high tower fort standing on a high hill. The walls of the building are covered with marble.

taken from egypt.com