Sunray Travel


Contents: History Religion Climate Clothing Health Sights Welcome to Egypt I have gathered the following information from some travel guides. I added my own thoughts to it and I tried to make these notes as comprehensive as possible, enjoy reading it. Egypt, land of ancient civilizations, invites you to one of the most enjoyable trips of your life. Situated at the crossroads of the world, Egypt is a vital junction for international air and sea traffic. You may enjoy at little cost a trip to Egypt; a trip stimulating to the mind and pleasing to the heart, amidst immortal ancient monuments dating from some of the oldest civilizations ever created by man: Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, early Christian and Islamic civilizations. With the beauty of its nature, its bright sunshine and its hospitable people, Egypt welcomes and invites you to a holiday of pleasure and enjoyment, teeming with culture, knowledge, information, and a wealth of unforgettable memories that you will glean on the banks of the Nile. What you should know about Egypt Egypt covers an area of about 1 million square kilometers and has a population of 60 millions, who mainly live in the cities and villages that lie on the banks of the Nile. Egypt northern frontier is the Mediterranean, its eastern the Red Sea, its western Libya and its southern the Sudan. Historical Synopsis The history of Egypt dates back, some 5000 years, and the Pharaonic era is divided into three main periods: The Ancient Kingdom Its capital was Menf (Memphis), founded by King Mena, the first king of I Dynasty, who united Upper and Lower Egypt. One of the famous kings of that Dynasty is Zoser who built the Saqqara pyramid, the first large-scale stone structure in history. Pharaonic Egypt was at the apex of its civilization at the era which wit-nessed the building of the Pyramids. The Middle Kingdom Its capital was Thebes. A period characterized by an artistic renaissance, agricultural projects and trade exchange with Bilad al Sham and the Sudan. The New Kingdom The New Kingdom starts with the 18th Dynasty founded by King Ahmos. Its capital was Thebes, except for the short period, when king Akhen-Aton moved his capital to Tel-eI-Amarna and lived there with his wife Nefertiti. Among the eminent rulets of the New Kingdom is king Ramses II who left a great architectural patrimony, the most important being the two Temples of Abou-Simbel. After the Pharaonic era came successively the Persian, the Greek, the Roman and the Byzantine eras. The Arab Islamic Conquest · This era starts in 641 when the Arabs entered Egypt, under the leadersh of Amr ibn el Aas, and Egypt became a great Islamic bastion. One of tl salient names of this era is that of Salah Eddeen el-Ayoubi. · In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte, led his Expedition to Egypt, which brought Egypt in contact with the European civilization for the first time · In 1840, Mohamed Aly established his dynasty in Egypt, which it rub for over 100 years. · And in 1952, the revolution broke out, put an end to monarchy at established a republican regime. A Brief Expose on the Economy The Egyptian economy was mainly based on agriculture but, following the revolution, the government focused its efforts on industry to conform with the evolution of the age, and invited Arab and foreign investments i accordance with its outward looking economic policy. Egypt provides i this connection, a great number of facilities to Arab and foreign investor and has created free zones. One of the sectors which most benefited by the economic policy and encouragement to investments, is that of tourism. Religion Approximately 80% of the population are Moslems and 20% are Coptic Orthodox Christians. Very small minorities of Catholics and Protestants. A climate of concord and tolerance prevails among the Muslim and Christian Egyptian citizens. Language The official language and the language talked by the people is Arabic. It alphabet is composed of 28 letters. However, a great number of Egyptian are proficient in foreign languages, in particular English and French. The Climate The climate in Egypt is most temperate; the sun practically shines the year round, at least eight hours a days, and rainy days are the exception. Even in the summer months (June - August), the northern wind blowing from Europe brings about a milder weather. Although the desert regions of the country have a continental climate, the Nile-valley keeps a temperate climate throughout the year. Ancient writings indicate that, as far back as Pharaonic times, a large number of Egyptian cities enjoyed a healthy climate, with curative proper-ties. The ancient Greek scientists who fathered the science of therapeutics have emphasized in their writings the importance of Egypt in that domain, and advised people to benefit by the climate and sun of Egyptian cities. Herodotus states that the good health of the Egyptians and their strong constitution is due to the ever shining sun of Egypt, and the wholesome climate of its cities. Egypt is known for its mineral springs, such as those of Helwan, the most important town for therapeutic tourism. The relevant authorities in the country have established physiotherapy sections in hospitals, and focused attention on physiotherapeUtiC centres, such as Helwan, Em Esseera, El-Goushbi, Fayoum, Mersa-Matrouh, the shores of the Red Sea, Aswan and others.Egypt has a large number of modern specialized hospitals, equipped with sophisticated medical appliances. Passport and Visa Requirements All Egyptian consulates are authorized to grant transit visas for a period not exceeding one month. Provided that the passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Passport authorities at all airports are also empowered to grant a transit visa or entry visa on the spot, even if the holder of the passport had not been granted a previous visa. A collective entry visa may be granted to tourist groups whose trip was organized by a tourist agency, provided no member of the group is left behind. The cost of an entry visa is about CA$27.00 for a single entry and $?? For multiple entry (That might be useful if you will be continuing to another country and returning via Cairo) if you plan to get your Visa from the Egyptian Consulate in Montreal you will require a completed application, 2 photographs, a certified cheque or money order in the amount of $27.00 per visa and a stamp registered self addressed envelop (enough stamps on it for returning it to you by mail). And send it to: The Egyptian Consulate 3754 Cote des Neiges Montreal, Quebec H3H 1V6 Tel (514) 937-7781 If you choose to get your visa at Cairo airport (which is very easy to do as long as you have a valid Canadian passport for 6 moths) you will pay the approximately US$20.00. and no picture is required. Tourists have to register themselves within 7 days of their arrival in the country. This will be taken care of by the hotel and, or the Cruise staff, you will be required to submit your passport for approximately one night. (remember to change enough traveler cheques prior to submitting your passport as you will need your passport for cashing travelers cheques.) What Clothes to Take to Egypt We advise you, dear tourist, to take cotton clothes in summer and woolen clothes in winter, soft walking shows that have been worn before. Do not take brand new shows. Shorts are O.K. Please bear in mind that shops in Cairo and in most big towns carry a good array of clothes as well as other products needed by tourists at a reasonable cost. Egypt is known for its first class cotton textiles, which are much less expensive than similar goods elsewhere in the world. Custom Regulation All personal effects used or new are exempt from customs duties and other taxes. Custom officials pay special attention to Video Camera equipment. You must declare your Video Camera to the custom officer at the airport when you arrive he will mark the serial number of the camera on your passport and you must show the camera to the custom officers at the airport upon your final departure. Some Travel books state that you must transfer the equivalent of $150.00 at the airport upon arrival. That is no longer a requirement. Egyptian Currency The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound, divided into 100 Piasters (1 Canadian dollar is approximately 2 pounds and 20 Piasters). Egyptian Bank notes are 100 Pounds, 50 Pounds, 20 Pounds, 10 Pounds, 5 Pounds and 1 Pound, 50 Piasters, 25 Piasters, 10 Piasters and 5 Piasters. All banks have very similar exchange rates. There is no longer a black market for foreign currencies. Please Do not buy Egyptian currency form Canada. You will get a better exchange rate if you exchange your US or Canadian Dollars in Egypt. If you have US$ take it with you, but do not exchange CA$ to US$ to take with you. Canadian Currency is acceptable at most Banks in Egypt. You can use Credit Cards at most of the major hotels in Egypt, the exchange rate will be determent by the Canadian Card Bank and can be unpredictable. Use it wisely. At the shops and Bazaars Credit Cards are frowned on. ATM machines are very few and can give you a very nice surprise in the large service fees they charge. Do not depend their availability. Health Requirements and information There is no vaccination required by either the Canadian or the Egyptian government for entry into to Egypt or to Canada, except if you are entering Egypt from another country (the Egyptian Government requires Yellow Fever Vaccination if you are entering Egypt from Kenya.) It is important to consult your doctor about any vaccination or medication that the doctor might recommend or prescribe to you.. It is recommended that you drink only bottled water. Although there is nothing wrong with the local water and as you will see most Egyptians are quite healthy, but our North American Digestive system is not used to the local water. Most hotels and Cruise boats have water purification station, which is used for cooking. I heard from many travelers to eat only what you can peel and to keep away from salads etc. That does not help, if you are going to get sick you will!. I would say unless your doctor recommends other wise, you can experience all kinds of food., but only eat at the main hotels and cruise restaurants (no eating from street vendors). If you are going to get the Montizouma attack you will get it any way!! Just make sure you take with you a supply of Imodium. I have found that due to the hot climate, some traveler return to their cruise or their hotel after a sightseeing trip and drink a glass of cold icy water. That will disturb your digestive system. How to travel in the Country Due to the congestion and the large population of Cairo (12million people) it is not recommended that any body would rent a car. It is recommended that you would rent a car with driver or use taxies. If you are planing to take a trip somewhere or to anther city it might be easier for you if we can arrange it for you. Local buses are not recommended Although the new under ground is very convenient and clean it might be difficult to fide direction as there are no good city maps. Local taxies are plentiful at hotels and major attractions, and although they all have meters in them it is recommended that you should agree on a price for the trip prior to entering the taxi. To travel to other cities example Alexandria you can travel by train or the new deluxe air-conditioned buses. You can ask the front office of your hotel about their location. Tourist Sites in Cairo The Pyramids On the western bank of the Nile, facing Cairo, on the Giza plateau rise the three Pyramids, built by Cheops, Chepren and Mycerinos, and nearby the Sphinx keeps watch over them. The great pyramid of Cheops is one of the 7 World-Wonders, and the only one that still stands. The Pyramids are still one of the most important tourist sites in Egypt. Saqqara The ancient site of Menf, the capital of Egypt in the days of the ancient kingdom. It teems with monuments and tombs. The most important landmark in the area is the step pyramid of Saqqara, built for the Pharaoh Zoser of the III Dynasty (2916 BC). The oldest large-scale Stone structure in history. Pyramids abound in Egypt, starting from the Pyramid of Abou Rawash in the north to the edge of the western desert, over 20 Kms, and ending with the Pyramids of Illahoun at the ingress of Fayoum. Al Matareya Obelisk The suburb of Matareya stands on the site of the ancient pharaonic "oun" called by the Greeks "Heliopolis". The only still visible vestige of this city is "Al Matareya Obelisk". Christian Monuments The Christian monuments in Egypt have a religious importance as well as an historical and artistic importance. They mark a transitional phase from Pharaonic to Islamic art. In addition to the ancient historic relics displayed at the Coptic Museum, there are scores of churches in Cairo and in its suburbs. Al Moalaqa Church (Hanging Church) It is so called because it was built on the pillars of the Roman fort of Babylon. It dates from the late 4th and early 5th century AD, as indicated on a carved wooden screen that represents Jesus, entering Jerusalem victorious. The church has a wonderful collection of icons, about 90. Abou Serga Church Located close to the Coptic museum, it dates from the 4th century AD. It is widely believed that this church was built over the place where the Holy Family stayed when, escaping from Herod. It came to Egypt seeking shelter. Abou Serga church has a great historical and artistic importance and is visited by all Christian sects. The Church of the Virgin It dates back to the 8th century AD, and houses a rare collection icons. Saint Barbara Church Located close to Abou Serga church, it bears the name of Saint Barbara who was killed by her pagan father when she converted to Christianity One of the most beautiful Coptic churches, it dates from the late 4th century and early 5th century AD The Churches of Abou Sefein Monastery The monastery is located in Amr Mosque Street, close to Helwan railway and houses three churches: 1.Amba Shenouda church 2.Abou Sefin church (Saint Mokarino) 3.The Virgin of Damshire church. Mar Mina Church Located in Fom el Khalig area, it dates from the late 5th and early century AD It is named after Saint Mena, one of the greatest saints of Coptic church, who died a victim of the persecution of Christians by Roman emperor Diocletian. Other ancient churches in Cairo are the Virgin Mary church in Zowela lane and the Virgin and Mar Girgis churches in El-Rome lane. Among modern churches, there is the Virgin church at Zeitoun, where thousand go seeking divine blessing when it was said that the Virgin Mary had appeared above one of its domes. The Saint Marcus Cathedral The largest church in Africa, it was recently erected at Abbassia, and bears witness to architectural development. The remains of Saint Marcus, one of the first people who preached Christianity in Egypt, were interred in this church. The Tree of the Virgin When the Holy Family fled from Israel to escape from the persecu-tion of Herod, it came to Egypt. According to some historians, the Holy Family went from El-Moharrak Monastery in Upper Egypt to Al-Matareya suburb, where grows the blessed tree of the Virgin under which she sheltered with the Holy Babe. The tree, always green, is now some 2000 years old. It is one of the most important Christian tourist sites in Egypt, where thousands go seeking bounty and blessings. Among the most important Christian monuments in Egypt, are the monasteries that date from the early Christian era, nine of which still stand in Lower and Upper Egypt, still inhabited by monks. 1- Saint Catherine's monastery, in Sinai. 2. Amba Antonious monastery close to Safarana by the Red Sea. 3. Amba Paul monastery by the Red Sea. 4. Saint Makkarius monastery (Abbou Makkar) at Wadi Natroun 5. Amba Bshoi monastery at Wadi Natroun, 20 km west of Saint karius monastery. 6. Al Sourian monastery, the smallest monastery at Wadi Natroun, world renowned. It is the monastery from which Shenouda III, current patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox graduated from as a monk 7. The Baramos monastery, at Wadi Natroun from which graduated Pope Kirillos VI, the late patriarch of the Copts. The monastery of the Virgin at Maharrak in Upper-Egypt, west town of Kossia. Its history and that of the ancient church closely relate to the journey of the Holy Family in Egypt. 9. The monastery of Amba Samuel in the western desert, in the vicinity of Maghaga in Upper Egypt. 10.Mar-Mina monastery at Marriout, 100 km south of Alexandria. Islamic Monuments The artistic beauty of Islamic monuments is not only that of mosques, but of, houses, palaces, fortresses and engineering works as well. The Mosques of Cairo Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque The first mosque built ii Egypt and the fourth in the world in (21 Hejra, 642 A.D.) in the days of .Amr ibn el Aas, on a site north of Babylon. It is simple in design and 'plan, and its first pillars were made of palm tree trunks, and the roof was covered with palm leaves. Renovations, repairs and additions were made over the years. Its present design is an open courtyard with four "riwaks" around it the largest being the "qibla riwak"; it also has multi-shaped marble columns. Ibn Touloun Mosque The third mosque built in Islamic Egypt, in 878 AD, in the reign of Amir Ahmed Ibn Touloun, the founder of the Toulounide dynasty. One of the largest mosques in Egypt, it covers an area of 161 m x 162 m, and its open courtyard measures 92 m x 91 m, with 4 "riwaks" around it. It is decorated with beautifully carved stucco and its minaret has an external staircase. El-Azhar Mosque The first mosque in Fatimid Cairo, it was built by Gawhar el Sakalli, commander-in-chief of the army of E1-Moezz Ledeen Illah in 969 AD. El Azhar was named after Fatima el Zahraa', daughter of the prophet, may God's peace and blessings be upon him. El Azhar is one of the oldest Islamic universities to which flock students from the four corners of the Islamic world. The successive rulers enlarged and embellished it over the years. El Azhar has a central courtyard sur-rounded by lwans and three minarets, one of them a double minaret, built in the 'days of Sultan el Ghouri. It also has an extensive library, some 60,000 books, 15,000 of which are manuscripts. The Mosque and School of Sultan Hassan The gem of Islamic architecture, it was built by Sultan Hassan ibn Mohamed ibn Kalaoun. Construction of a mosque and school was started in 1356 AD, for the four Islamic schools with adjoining dormitory facilities and a library. Once completed, teachers and physicians were appointed. The mosque covers and area of 7906 square meters. It has a monumental entrance, 38 m high, the most impressive among Islamic monuments in Egypt. The Citadel of Salah Eddeen A visit to Salah Eddeen citadel situated on a spur on one of the peaks of the Mokattam hills, calls to mind its great founder, Salah Eddeen el Ayoubi. It was erected in 1183 AD, along the lines of a medieval fortresses. Mohamed Aly Mosque An impressive mosque, it rises on the northern peak of Salah Eddeen citadel, and may be seen from any place in Cairo. Also called the "Ala-baster Mosque, it is one of Cairo's landmarks. The mosque was built bet-ween 1830 - 1849, in an ottoman style and is divided into two parts. The eastern part which is square-shaped is covered by a large dome 21 m in diameter and 52 m high, with walls covered with alabaster and embel-lished with gilt decorations. The western part is the "sahn", and on the eastern wall of the mosque rise two twin minarets, each 84 meters high. Dome and School of Bimartstan Kalawoon At the northern end of the "Goldsmith lane in al-Azhar district, stretches an area of great artistic beauty. Outstanding landmarks are the dome, unique in design, and the only one of its kind in Egypt is covered with .marble inlaid with mother-of-pearl; carved and gilt ceilings and a marble mihrab, distinct in its height and grace. Bab Zouela and Al-Moa'yed Mosque (in Bab el Shareya) Bab Zouela, one of Cairo's gate was built in 1091 AD, nearby the two minarets of El Moa'yed mosque built in 1441 AD., rise higher than the gate. Al Moa'yad mosque is a master-piece among the Cherkess-Mamlouk monuments in Cairo, and its- minarets are the most graceful. Quaitbay Mosque (Between Abbassia and the Citadel) Built by Sultan Quaitbay, in 1474 AD., it is a jewel of Islamic art. A graceful minaret, an exquisitely carved dome and a well-proportioned layout The Blue Mosque (at Tabbana) Built by Emir Sonnkor eI Nasseri, in 1347 AD it is called the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles, covering its walls. It has a marble minbar and a round-shaped elegant minaret. Beit Gamal Eddeen el Zahabi (in Ghourieh) Built in the 17th century AD., in the style of Arab houses, it has retained its specific details and characteristics, the most salient being the marble fountain in the courtyard, the mashrabiehs (lattice work) and rooms embellished with coloured glass. Beit el Sehemi (at Darb el Asfar) Built in another Islamic architectural style, it has retained all its specific details. The large hall on the first floor, in its northern part, has walls covered with ceramic tiles. Khan el-Khalili and Goldsmith Lane The most impressive among oriental bazaars and one of the oldest as it dates back to the 14th century AD It comprises a large number of shops which expose fabulous collections o. gold and silver jewelry, copper and wooden wares inlaid with mother of pearls. textiles as well as oriental needle work of great beauty that one may buy as gifts. Mosque of Imams and Holy Men The following are some of the Important mosques where are buried holy Men and members of the Family of the Prophet. Al-Hussein Mosque It bears the name of the Grand-Son of the Prophet. The mausoleum is an artistic masterpiece made of pure silver with designs and inscriptions in gold inlay. The mosque possesses a rare collection of personal belongings of the Prophet. Sayeda Zeinab Mosque It bears the name of the Granddaughter of the Prophet, Sayeda Zeinab, daughter of lmam Aly, lbn Abi Taleb, and houses her mausoleum. Mosque and Mausoleum of Imam El-Shafei It bears the name of Imam Abi Abdallah Mohamed ibn Idris El-Shafei, Imam of one of the four Islamic schools. His mausoleum is one of the oldest Ayoubi vestiges, and his mosque is known for its large dome, made of wood and covered with lead sheets. Mosque and Mausoleum of Sayeda Nefissa it is named after Sayeda Nefissa, Granddaughter of Imam Aly, ibn Abi Taleb, and houses her mausoleum. These are not the, only mosques of Cairo. as the "City of the thousand Minarets" is rich in stately mosques. Their domes, minarets and inscrip-tions bear witness to the beauty of Islamic art at the various periods, such as E1-Moayed Mosque, El-Hakem Mosque, Sultan Barkous. Saleh Talai, El-Ahmar, El Rifai and Quaitbay Mosques. The Museums of Cairo Like any other ancient capital, Cairo is also well known for its museums. The Egyptian Museum Located in El-Tahrir Square, it is the greatest Egyptian archaeological museum in the world, containing about 250,000 objets of art that date as far back as the 5000 years of Egypt's history. The exhibits have an historical as well as an artistic value. One of the most important displays is the Tut-Ankh-Amon collection. Visiting hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. to 11 am.; 1 p.m. to 4p.m. The Coptic Museum Located in old Cairo, it houses rare collections of relics, textiles and manuscripts dating back to early Christian times. Exhibits at the museum reflect the beauty of ancient Coptic art with its colours and decorations, which is considered a transitional period from ancient pharaonic to Islamic arts. Museum of Islamic Art It is situated at Ahmed Maher Square in the Public Library Building. It houses some 65,000 objets d'art from the various eras and artistic schools: Persian, Mamluki and Turkish which give clear idea of the evolution and development of Islamic art. Manial Palace Museum Situated in Manial, it overlooks the Nile, and was the private residence of Prince Mohamed Aly Tewfik. The architectural style of this palace is a mixture of Persian, Moroccan and Turkish. The palace contains a rare collection of valuable jewels, fine carpets, priceless objet d'art and historical manuscript. The Egyptian Civilization Museum Located at the Guzira island Exhibition Grounds, it displays the evolution of life and Egyptian civilization over the centuries. Those are not the only museums in Cairo. There are others museums such as the Agricultural museum, Mostafa Kamal museum, etc. Alexandria The largest port in Egypt, and the most important summer resort in the Middle East. it lies on the Mediterranean , west of the Nile Delta, 225 km from Cairo by the Agriculture road and 221 km by the Desert road. Named after Alexander the Great, it was built at his orders on the site of a small village called Racotis, in 332 BC to be the capital of his realm in Egypt, and a sea port close to his homeland, as well as a center of Greek culture and civilization. Alexandria remained, for centuries, a beacon of culture the world over, and left its mark on the history of mankind. Today, Alexandria is the second capital of Egypt. It is ideally situated, has a tempered climate and soft sandy beaches that extend from Agami west to Abou-Keir east. It is indeed the pearl of the Mediterranean. How to get to Alexandria By train in about2.30 hours from Cairo. By Car, in 3.30 by the Desert road, which is 221 kin, long, and a little longer by the Agricultural road which is 225 km long I would suggest using the Agricultural road one way and the desert road the other way. You can also fly there by Egyptair in 35 minutes (flying to Alexandria is not recommended). Landmarks of Alexandria Montazah Palace The summer residence of Egypt's former royal family, it was built on an elevation that overlooks one of the most attractive beaches of Alexandria The palace comprises a number of buildings. The most important is the "Haramlek", whose 1st floor was converted into an international casino and its 2nd and 3rd into a museum that displays private belongings o former royal family. The "Salamlek", was converted Into a pleasant hotel, overlooking the lovely Montazah bay. Beaches Alexandria is known for its numerous sandy beaches, the most important being: El Maamoura, El Montazah, El Mandara, El Assafra, Miami Sidi-Bishr, El-Shatby, San-Stephano, Glym, Stanley, Cleopatra, Rou Sidi-Gaber, Sporting and lbrahimeya, which all skirt the Corniche road On the western side of the city lie the suburbs of Agami and Hannoville and. Those beaches are famous for their soft and clear waters. Gardens Nozha garden, the zoological garden, Antoniades garden, are in the city but the gardens of Montazah palace stretch along the sea. The Greco-Roman Museum It contains a large collection of ancient relics of great historical and artistic value that date from centuries BC. The Pompey Pillar A colossal granite pillar, 27 m high, it was erected in 297 AD, in memory of the Roman emperor Diocletian. Catacombs of Kom el Shokafa These Roman catacombs are rock-hewn in three tiers at a depth 100 feet. They date from late first and early second century A.D. The Roman Theatre A small Roman theatre, recently discovered in Kom el Dekka, close to the Greco-Roman museum. It has 12 marble terraces in a semi-circular shape, and is the only one of its kind in Egypt. The Fort of Quaitbay At the northern tip of the Eastern harbor, on the site where the Pharos of Alexandria stood. This fort was constructed in the 15th century by Quaitbay, and consists of three floors along the lines of medieval fortresses in Egypt, and now houses a naval museum to preserve the naval heritage of Alexandria. The Marine Biology Institute It adjoins Quaitbay fort on Anfoushi bay, and contains a very large variety of fish and other specimens of marine life. Aboui Abbas Mosque Situated at Anfoushi, it is one of the most important Islamic monuments in Alexandria, with its high minaret and four domes. The Museum of Fine Arts Located at Manshieh Street No. 18, Moharram Bay, it displays artistic sculptures, paintings and architectural designs. Egyptian as well as foreign artists often hold exhibitions there. Royal Jewelry Museum established in Fatima El-Zahraa palace Alexandria Zezenia district.This museum is considered a magnifcent architectural piece of art, its halls comprise several paintings, decorations and rare statues. The museum houses collection of Mohamed Ali Family's jewellery, all are invaluable and rare pieces. The Archeological Area of Mostapha Kamel At Moaskar Romani Street, Rushdi, it consists of 4 tombs of the Ptolemaic era that date from the 2nd century BC. Rock-hewn in sub-surface rock, it is the only cemetery unearthed in the east of Alexandria. This cemetery differs from the other Ptolemaic tombs because of its engravings, architectural style and relatively good condition. The Archeological Area of Anfoushi Opposite the entrance of Ras el Teen Palace, there are five tombs in the area, two of them are most important. They were discovered in 1901, and date back to the Ptolemaic period about 300 BC. They are known for their fine inscriptions and distinct architectural style. Shatby Cemetery Situated very near to the sea, north of Saint Marc School, it consists of an entrance with a pass way linking the front and back burial rooms. It was enlarged in the following centuries to provide further burial space. It dates from the 3rd century BC., and its architecture copies the style of old Greek. Abou-Keir Suburb Abou-Keir is one of Alexandria's quietest beaches, ideal for fishing and good sea food restaurants. This pleasant suburb has an important historical past, having witnessed in 1798, the famous battle of "Abou-Keir in which the British admiral Nelson destroyed Napoleon Bonaparte's fleet.