Abu Mena
Location: Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Abu Mena is an ancient city located in the Alexandria Governorate of Egypt. It was founded in the 3rd century AD and was dedicated to Saint Menas, a Christian martyr who was believed to have been buried there. The city was an important religious center and a pilgrimage site for Christians throughout the Middle Ages. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important archaeological site.
Prominent Features: The most notable features of Abu Mena are the remains of the ancient city, which include the church of Saint Menas, a Roman aqueduct, and a network of underground tunnels. The church is particularly well-preserved and features elaborate mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Menas. The site also contains a number of other buildings and structures, including a baptistery, a basilica, and a Roman bathhouse.
History: Abu Mena was founded in the 3rd century AD and quickly became an important religious center. According to legend, Saint Menas was a Christian soldier who was martyred during the Diocletianic Persecution in the early 4th century. His body was brought to Abu Mena and buried there, and the city became a pilgrimage site for Christians from all over the world. The city was abandoned in the 7th century after it was destroyed by invading Arab armies.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can take guided tours of the ancient city, explore the underground tunnels, and see the impressive mosaics and frescoes in the church of Saint Menas. The site also features a visitor center with interactive exhibits and displays that are designed to educate visitors about the history and significance of Abu Mena.
Fun Fact: Abu Mena is one of the few archaeological sites in Egypt that has never been fully excavated, due in part to concerns about preserving the delicate underground structures.
Entry Fees: A regular ticket is 120 Egyptian pounds (approximately $7 USD), while the cost for a student ticket is 60 Egyptian pounds (approximately $3.50 USD). There is an additional fee for photography and videography.
How to Reach it: Abu Mena is located approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Alexandria. Visitors can reach the site by car or taxi from Alexandria or from Cairo, which is located approximately 200 kilometers to the south. It is also possible to reach the site by public transportation, including buses and microbuses to Borg El Arab and Taxi from there.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located in Alexandria, which is the nearest major city to Abu Mena. Some popular options include the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, the Hilton Alexandria Corniche, and the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel. It is also possible to stay in smaller towns and villages near Abu Mena, although amenities may be more limited in these areas.
Next Stop: Historic Cairo
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Abu Mena is an ancient city located in the Alexandria Governorate of Egypt. It was founded in the 3rd century AD and was dedicated to Saint Menas, a Christian martyr who was believed to have been buried there. The city was an important religious center and a pilgrimage site for Christians throughout the Middle Ages. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important archaeological site.
Prominent Features: The most notable features of Abu Mena are the remains of the ancient city, which include the church of Saint Menas, a Roman aqueduct, and a network of underground tunnels. The church is particularly well-preserved and features elaborate mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Menas. The site also contains a number of other buildings and structures, including a baptistery, a basilica, and a Roman bathhouse.
History: Abu Mena was founded in the 3rd century AD and quickly became an important religious center. According to legend, Saint Menas was a Christian soldier who was martyred during the Diocletianic Persecution in the early 4th century. His body was brought to Abu Mena and buried there, and the city became a pilgrimage site for Christians from all over the world. The city was abandoned in the 7th century after it was destroyed by invading Arab armies.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can take guided tours of the ancient city, explore the underground tunnels, and see the impressive mosaics and frescoes in the church of Saint Menas. The site also features a visitor center with interactive exhibits and displays that are designed to educate visitors about the history and significance of Abu Mena.
Fun Fact: Abu Mena is one of the few archaeological sites in Egypt that has never been fully excavated, due in part to concerns about preserving the delicate underground structures.
Entry Fees: A regular ticket is 120 Egyptian pounds (approximately $7 USD), while the cost for a student ticket is 60 Egyptian pounds (approximately $3.50 USD). There is an additional fee for photography and videography.
How to Reach it: Abu Mena is located approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Alexandria. Visitors can reach the site by car or taxi from Alexandria or from Cairo, which is located approximately 200 kilometers to the south. It is also possible to reach the site by public transportation, including buses and microbuses to Borg El Arab and Taxi from there.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located in Alexandria, which is the nearest major city to Abu Mena. Some popular options include the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, the Hilton Alexandria Corniche, and the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel. It is also possible to stay in smaller towns and villages near Abu Mena, although amenities may be more limited in these areas.
Next Stop: Historic Cairo