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 7 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.
Geographical information
Administrative Structure 8 centres
8 cities
43 villages 182 subvillages (kafr)
Area
governorate area 212,000 km2
percentage to national 20.29%
rank among governorates 2
population density (Arg.) 47 population km2
Population
Total population 0,186,000
male 51.61%
female 48.39%
percentage to national 0.32%
rank among governorates 23
Agricultural activities
cultivated area 188,387 feddan
percentage to national 2.51%
area ready for reclamation 277,000 feddan
percentage to national .88%
Industrial activities
Hand made carpets
craftsmanship
fruit desiccating
Tourism
74 hotels
3283 rooms
205,916 touristic nights
Worship places
274 mosques
3 churches
Culture
9 culture centres
21,000 inhabitants / culture center
Transportation
860 km of paved roads
Communication
telephone lines
7502 telephone lines
post office
34 post offices
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.
Ras El-Hekma
It is a land spur jutting out into sea, about 85 km. east of Matrouh, and is distinguished by the beauty and serenity of its beach.
Marina Ruins-Alameen
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.
Al-Alameen Beach
104 km. west of Alexandria, this beach is renowned for its natural scenery soft and white sands and tranquillity. It was once described by Churchill as having the best climate in the world. Here also, the Germans, led by Rommel, and the Allies, led by Montgomery, fought one of the most decisive battles of World War II: The Battle of Alameen.
Places to visit
The British Cemetery: Thousands upon thousands of rock-hewn tombstones stand straight rows amidst a fenced garden.
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.
The Alameen Museum: Houses specimens of World War II weapons, as well as busts of the generals who planned the battle. There are also maps and charts showing troop deployment.
About 28 km. west of Mersa Matrouh, it is distinguished by its numerous natural caves and enchanting scenery. 104 km. west of Alexandria, this beach is renowned for its natural scenery soft and white sands and tranquillity. It was once described by Churchill as having the best climate in the world. Here also, the Germans, led by Rommel, and the Allies, led by Montgomery, fought one of the most decisive battles of World War II: The Battle of Alameen. The German Cemetery: It is a fortress like memorial that was built on a high overlooking the sea.
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