Seas of golden dunes, lunar landscapes, strange rock formations and miles of rocky plains, so the western desert, an extension of the Sahara, neither uniform nor easily accessible. With five oasis, like an ocean islands (Siwa, Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, Kharga), are connected by a 1,000 km long track in the form of "Z" on the map.
Siwa
80 km long, dotted with limestone formations of mineral water and two salt lakes, Siwa culture lives on dates and olives, which gives it a small garden of Eden. In the center of Chali, the main town of the island, was erected strange ghostly ruins, the former town destroyed in the nineteenth century by the rains diluvianas.Algunas sand tracks run to the temple of the oracle of Ammon, who was consulted Alexander the Great in person. Located on a promontory, has weathered badly over time. I moved the twisted ruins, who knows if you will not find a jinn, very numerous in the region if you believe in the issiwanes. If not, content yourself with admiring the sea of palm trees stretching their pies.No longer go swimming round some of these sources, the water glows softly. Some date from the Roman occupation, while others have been built recently to irrigate the gardens.

Bahariya

The four villages of this oasis are scattered in a hollow surrounded by dunes covered with black volcanic rocks. Until the Middle Ages, Bahariya was an ideal stopover for caravans coming from the Maghreb en route to the Meca.Pero time of prosperity is far and oasis will gradually depopulated. However, access has been facilitated by the road that connects it to the capital.

Farafra
It is the smallest and least popular of the five oases. If you like quiet, if you need solitude after the overcrowded Nile valley, do not hesitate. Reaching Farafra is no easy task (two or three blogs a week by bus from Cairo). Farafra is spread over a plateau of white sand dotted with some green spots, hiding some earthen houses. From Qasr el-Farafra, the most important town, the sandy tracks to plow through the palm grove, where they play sol.No rays miss the trip to the White Desert, about 40 miles from the oasis. After the sand and black rocks, appear strange limestone formations in the form of pyramids, mushrooms and icebergs, which extend out of sight. Magic show at the sunrise or sunset.

Dakhla
Here, land is so fertile that it is easy to forget the desert. Dakhla is a series of palm groves, orchards and vegetable crops. From Mut, the most important of the ten villages of the oasis, some beautiful walks (motor, the distances are quite large) lead to interesting places like the abandoned village of el-Qasr, the Balat necropolis, the temple of Deir el-Haggar or Musawaka.En Pharaonic remains the last, will soon be open to the public the Roman necropolis, after long years of restoration
Kharga
Kharga is well worth a diversion to their old locations, as the temple of Hibis unique architectural evidence of the Persian occupation of Egypt and the Christian necropolis Bagawat (open from 8 to 17 pm Admission fee.) Perched on the hillside, lists several hundred tombs dating from the fifth century Some have been preserved in its walls painted scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
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It is one of the largest oasis in the south, and privileged access to go to Aqaba, Jordan. The city is divided into three parts: the port, the tourist area to the north, the Bedouin city of Tarabin, hiding in his palm the ruins of a fortress city mameluca.La, prima facie, shows no interest: what can be enjoyed in the Bedouin village emerged from the sand, with low houses, its streets deserted and gardens starving?

The sea and the beaches deserted, of course, a few steps away. And its fish restaurants where you can enjoy the outdoor-and small-priced lobsters freshly caught ... Not to mention the show is always great in the mountains of Saudi Arabia, across the gulf. Nap under the palm trees, diving around the coral where the fish are fun and some (small) sharks, feasts in the village ... Between Nuweiba and Taba lies a magnificent coastline of coves and long beaches. Sometimes the mountain seems to retreat from the sea. And elsewhere, in search of waves and combines the hardness of the rock with the smoothness of the turquoise sea.
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295 km. west of Alexandria and 510 km. northwest of Cairo, accessible by train or bus (faster) from both cities. The airport is 5 km. west.
Last town before the border with Libya, its history overlaps with several celebrities. Alexander would have stopped there during his trip to the oasis of Siwa, and Cleopatra would have bathed in its waters. German Marshal Rommel, meanwhile, had set up his headquarters here, where he led the decisive battle of El Alamein in 1942.

Beaches:
Marsa Matruh extends to the edge of a large lagoon protected by a ledge, it is possible to travel in local transport, the caretta, a cart pulled by a donkey. Here you can benefit from the clear waters off the beaches of the Hotel Beau Site (located on the Corniche), where the toilet meets Western standards regarding the use of bikini.
If the most beautiful beaches found on the outskirts of the city, it is advisable to stay in the upgraded areas. Since the coast was mined during World War II, caution is needed. Among the most notable, is the Agiba (28 km. To the west), with its natural caves.
At the edge of the desert, a place known as "Cleopatra bath" is a magnificent bay of clear water surrounded by rocks, like a large square pool where, according to legend, Queen Cleopatra came to bathe.

Souk Libya (Libya Market)
Not long ago, smugglers in the city introduced products from Libya without paying customs duties. Today, this market is tolerated by the authorities. There you can find products originating in Libya, the Maghreb and Europe as well as various regional products: wool, olives, barley, sheep, dates, watermelons, etc.

Fortress and temple at the time of Ramses II:
The ruins that remain today evoke a time when this was erected the walls of Pharaonic temple of Ramses II. Built at the end of his campaign against the Libyans in 1200 BC, was used as a stronghold to defend the border with Libya.

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790 km. south of Cairo.
Since the opening of international airport in 2001, this small fishing village has become the new destination appreciated by lovers of diving in the Red Sea. Between sea and desert, the resorts offer great comfort and activities up to this majestic setting.
The people :
Marsa Alam is located at the intersection of the road from Edfu, to the west, and the path that runs along the Red Sea coast. The village itself is a small fishing port where the bus station, some shops and restaurants.
Resorts :
For many years visitors have been housed in camps inspired by the Bedouin lifestyle, while benefiting from all the comforts and complete respect for the environment (eco-lodges). Today, luxury resorts spread over more than 80 km., From Port Galeb north to the National Park Gemal the south.
Marina Galeb :

The opening of the marina in December 2005 marks the birth of a new tourist destination in a country where they are not exactly rare. With capacity for up to 1000 boats, Port Galeb is destined to become the gateway of the fans and the first port of sailing from the Middle East. Its proximity to the airport has decided to numerous hotel chains to open stores that rival each other in Oriental splendor.
Diving:
The dive sites accessible from Marsa Alam are among the most attractive of the Red Sea for experienced divers. Its main attractions are the conservation status of coral masses and the presence of a large pelagic fauna. Among the best known are Elphinestone Daedalus Reef and Reef. For less experienced divers, coastal coral reefs provide water for hours of contemplation.
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The ancient Egyptians called it simply "Niout" the city. Homer gave the name "City of a hundred gates." Vivant Denon, who accompanied the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte, wrote: "The city was a ghost as unfathomable to our imagination that Napoleon's army, the sight of scattered ruins, stopped short. In a spontaneous act, we got everyone to clap. "

Luxor, the Living City :

In the boom times of Memphis, Thebes was nothing. Nothing but a small village. Was Mentuhotep (Middle Kingdom, 2061-2010 BC), Theban king and architect of the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, who made Thebes the capital of the Empire. Thebes dethroned and the South Memphis, eaten away by internal strife. The new capital had its heyday during the New Kingdom, adopting grandiose monuments. From the reign of Tutmés III (1484-1450 BC), who ruled Thebes extended its authority to the banks of the Euphrates to the north-east, east to the borders of Libya, west and south to Sudán.La right bank where modern day Luxor, was the city of the living, entirely dedicated to Amun, obscure local deity promoted to the rank of chief god rather than Ra. The priests of Amun accumulated such omnipotence is not nothing that had eluded them about power. Amenhotep IV (1372-1354 BC) found in the flesh, when he decided to leave Amon and the pantheon of gods for the monotheistic worship of Aten. After the death of Pharaoh, and once destroyed the city of Tell el-Amarna dedicated to the new cult of Amon servers were commissioned to restore the power of God ... and therefore the suyo.Más beyond their conquests and wars enemy towns-Hittites and Libyans, among others, successive pharaohs, regarded as divine incarnations and revered as such, trying to ensure his greatness and posterity. To do so, undertook to expand and beautify the two temples erected to the glory of Amun: The complex of Karnak and Luxor Temple modest ... but always looking, sometimes with excessive zeal, to forget the prestige of its predecessors.


Luxor, Egypt's tourism capital :

The decline of the civilization of the pharaohs and their subsequent disappearance seriously impacted on Luxor. The monuments, previously reserved for high officials and priests who served the Almighty God, loved and feared, now sheltering small brick houses, ordinary. Because only the high and thick walls of temples offering effective protection against bandits época.En the first centuries of the Christian era, followers of the new faith built their churches in the shrines of the Egyptians of the Pharaonic era , as the temples of Luxor and Karnak, where the crosses are still visible engraved on the stone. Luxor did not represent any interest to the Arab armies came to spread Islam. Muslim leaders founded in Cairo, and the magnificence of Islamic civilization develops hundreds of miles north of the old capital.


When Europeans rediscovered the Pharaonic civilization, whose first trophy came in the bags from the expeditions of Napoleon in the late eighteenth century, Luxor sleep yet. The drawings and watercolors from the time show it. The temples are covered with sand, herds of domestic animals walk among the columns of which only the capitals above-ground. But the Egyptian fashion and Orientalism take over Europe. The Description of Egypt, written by scholars who accompanied Napoleon's army is a clear example of this. Exhibitions of old books, jewelry, mummies, are common. And from mid-nineteenth century, Luxor is stated as a tourist destination, although at that time, of course, restricted to a handful of wealthy visitors.

Luxor possesses undeniable charm. Everywhere, whether in the halls and gardens of the palaces, or on the facade of a nineteenth century building with cantilevered balconies, a perfume obsolete fleet, the era of the English settlers and the Egyptian monarchs, the rich English ladies, the beys and pashas. At sunset, the Temple of Luxor, very close to the biggest and tourism in the souks, it seems isolated from the world of the living. Its columns, colossal statues, its arches, regain their calm, indifferent to the carts that pass by. Meanwhile, across the Nile, the town of Gurna, on the slope, was sweetly asleep under a star brighter than ever.

Mutation Town :

For almost half a century, the Egyptian authorities try to reserve the western bank of Luxor, and in particular the mountain of Gurna, exclusively for tourists. It is, say, to protect ancient sites, especially the tombs of the Valley of the Nobles, and providing decent living conditions for its inhabitants. Those in the flank of the mountain does not have access to drinking water because the pipes could ruin the tombs. That is why you'll notice the incessant comings and goings of donkeys laden with tanks of considerable size, down the mountain and climbing with difficulty the steep roads. There have already been several attempts at restructuring the site, one of which gave rise to the "New Gurna ', located between the Nile and the old Gurna and designed by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy. Another new village located north of the Theban acropolis, on the edge of the desert. Each time you repeat the same scenario: the traditional houses are surveyed and studied, as well as living conditions, needs and demands of families. Establishing plans for a new village at some distance from the old Gurna ... and a number of families refused to move. Because the houses are too small. Or because they believe that the compensation offered by the loss of its privileged location is inadequate. A new project of this type has been set up in 2006. Try to evacuate the inhabitants of the flank of the mountain (Valley of the Nobles and near the Temple of Hatshepsut), but also to those living in the agricultural part of the Theban necropolis, for example in the villages surrounding the temple of Medinet Habu .
Luxor is always surprising, given the recent evidence of this dramatic discovery, where the colossi of Memnon, statues of a fortnight, especially a giant statue (3.62 m) of the wife of Amenhotep III, Queen Tiya . Not forgetting the mummy of Tutankhamun Valley of the Kings, the only Egyptian mummy preserved in situ, which has been exposed in a Plexiglas display case, thereby providing the public eye for the first time the face of the boy Pharaoh.
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How far is the time Hurghada was but a small fishing port and a modest yard, oblivious to the world and even the Egyptians themselves. Far ... but not much, just a few years. In ten years, has become a city of 35,000 and the most appreciated seaside resort in the country. His popularity is soaring among the Egyptians and among lovers of sun, sea and diving around the world. At least a hundred resorts, some more and others less luxurious, succeed for twenty miles along the coast. The center of the city, known as the ed-Dahar district has retained a traditional feel, with a small souk and some cheap hotels.

There are few coral reefs accessible by swimming from the coast, so it is best then give yourself a full day excursion at sea. There are many clubs that offer this service. One of the most popular destinations are the islands Giftun. These are very well preserved, as the drainage and waste is collected by specially equipped boats, and access to the islands is limited.


The great advantage of the Red Sea is that you can enjoy the beauty of the sea bottom with simple glasses, a pair of palms and a tube. Although of course, the show is even more wonderful with a bottle and a belt of lead ...

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The Egyptian capital stretches on both banks of the Nile Giza, on the west bank, and Cairo itself, on the eastern shore, are mixed in the same mega-cities. Insatiable, the largest city in Africa spider every day a little more than the sands of the desert and farmland. So that no one knows how many are the Cairene, if 10, 15 or 20 million.



Cairo
Cairo and surprised travelers on the Mamluks. Today, they are terrified of endless traffic jams, dust ubiquitous, continuous concert of horns, the frayed and urban masses who rush up to the walkways. Poorest neighborhoods bordering the richest, beggars, businessmen, late model Mercedes wagons swaying mix. But Cairo, unsinkable, unchanged, remains for the Egyptians the Victorious, the Mother of the world or simply Misr, Egypt's full name. For some it is decided to be lost, also the foreign traveler will discover the sweetness of their nights, lit by the neon green of the mosques, the warmth of its little popular cafes, the pleasure of wandering the streets and smiling humor Cairenes . After the first impact, also you will eventually say, as its inhabitants: "And yet, turn!"



The city center
On the eastern bank of the Nile, between Tahrir Square Ataba Ramses Station and extends the modern city, the city center today. Europeanized since the mid-nineteenth century, this neighborhood was built after the model Haussmann, the streets are wide and intersect at right angles, the buildings rococo stucco moldings represented, at the time, the height of modernity. Here you will also discover some jewels of the Belle Epoque architecture.



On the streets Talaat Harb, Qasr el-Nil Avenue and July 26, huge painted signs advertise the movies they put in theaters. On Thursday night, the Cairene rush through the streets of this luxurious shopping area. Textiles, clothing, shoes, but also cooperative stores (the famous Omar Effendi, the Samaritaine Egyptienne), excellent bakeries, fast food and fashion belly dance halls. Here tourists cross from Arab countries, farmers in Upper Egypt and Americana.Si University students left behind on major routes, discover, in amazing alleys, small restaurants and popular cafes, where men in suits and ties going to smoke his hookah, while sipping a tea sweetened agitación.En away from the heart of downtown, Tahrir Square (Liberation Square) summarizes the city itself, with its dazzling neon lights, permanent works urban congestion quite disproportionate and lacking in coherence. An oriental-style building houses the American University.



The metro, the fourth pyramid
Opened in 1987 in the presence of Jacques Chirac, then Prime Minister of France, the first Metro line (42.5 km. Long, 33 stations) gave a lot of work to the French engineers who conceived and carried out. But the result is there: more than a million passengers each day between El-Marg, the north and Helwan in the south, and a team that works perfectly. The first tranche of the second row, which links the two sides, was opened in 1996. Was extended to Giza in 2000, totaling 19 km in length and 18 stations.



The cradle of oriental dance
At the heart of Cairo at night, the dancer makes move all its glitter. What Westerners call "belly dance" is an institution here. Has your teachers who receive students worldwide, its star, luxury hotels and movie producers are disputed, and their designers, and musicians, and the avenue, that of the pyramids, where cabarets happen ... and its slums. Among the great dancers, Fifi Abdou, Lucy and Diana.



Islamic neighborhoods
Cairo, the "city of a thousand minarets", for Muslims do not have the sanctity of Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. But its streets and alleys hidden treasures of Islamic art, often damaged but shining in the eyes of you know where to look and admire. To access the Islamic monuments have to pay an entry. It is essential to dress appropriately: no shorts or sleeveless shirt. Are advised to wear a scarf for some mosques.



Bab el-Futuh to the Citadel
In neighborhoods of old Islamic Cairo find mosques, palaces, caravanserai and Koranic schools, unfortunately suffer from the infirmities of time. But of those neighborhoods, ultimately little tourist village life emerge plain Cairo: small offices, vendors and two monumental doors artesanos.Las Bab el-Futuh (door of Conquests) and Bab el-Nasr (Gate of Victories) mark the northern limit of Fatimid Cairo. Between the two, the remains of the fortifications that surrounded the town with a sense of invulnerability. Next door stands Victories el-Hakim Mosque, built at the beginning of the year one thousand. Frequented mainly by Shiite sect India, was restored with heavy concrete and marble in 1980, and has lost much of its simple beauty.



Before the street begins Muizz mosque el-Din Allah, surrounded by magnificent Islamic monuments. In one of the first streets to the left (lane Dahab), the Beit el-Suhaymi, former home of a shaykh of al-Azhar of the seventeenth century, is an example of the splendor of the houses of notables, from the Mamluk period. Then, the street Muizz el-Din Allah will take you to the mosque el-Aqmar (1125) and the Madrasa of Sultan Barkuk (XIV century). On the right, the mausoleum of Qalaun, built between 1248 and 1293, included a mosque madrassa (school), a hospital and a grave silence which seems reassuring, even today, magnified by the stained-glass windows.



Misr el-Qadima, the Coptic quarter
Located on the eastern bank of the Nile (right bank), compared to southern tip of Roda Island, is the oldest home town of the bank, still inhabited by Copts. You can go on the subway (direction Helwan, Mari Girgis station) or riverboat (output against the television building, north of Tahrir Square). Coming down the few steps leading to Misr el-Qadima and cross walls surrounding it, those of Roman Babylon, entering another world of silence and meditation. The streets leading to the convent of San Jorge, to the churches of St. Sergius and St. Barbara, and near the Christian cemetery, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, recently restored thanks to the obstinacy of the community judía.Las churches except the Church Suspended - hardly distinguishable from the surrounding houses: the stones, the same architecture, without external religious symbols.



The cries of street vendors
May not understand but contain all the poetry and humor of the Egyptian people. Here are some examples. To praise the sweetness of the grapes, "Oh! Sleeping on the vine while I kiss the bees! ":" Cane 7 meters cane oh! "Cries the clerk exaggerating much sugar (sugar cane does not exceed 5 meters in length). "When you run out of the cauldron, will he find more?" Asks the salesman wisely ful, eager to get rid as quickly as possible the contents of your pot.



The Khan el-Khalili
Is the domain of businessmen and tourists. In its narrow streets are bought and sold jewelry, copper, marquetry boxes, imitations pharaonic, semiprecious stones, carpets, blown glass tableware and other memorabilia. The shops still regroup corporation. Stroll, bargain or lost, and also to enjoy a tea or coffee in Fichawi karkade, inescapable place jan. Not many years ago, Naguib Mahfouz himself even came to rest under one of the large mirrors in the room that the passage of time has turned yellow.



The City of the Dead
At the foot of the cliff of Moqattam square kilometers stretching from the City of the Dead, undoubtedly one of the largest cemeteries in the world. We found graves of ordinary people, simple stone catafalque, and grand mausoleums where lie the emirs and sultans, some of them since the fifteenth century. The living are housed in small houses of two or three rooms, built during the nineteenth century to mourn the dead, according to a ritual that dates back to the pharaohs. When living in Cairo has become a gamble, the poorest have rushed to these cities, which had the advantage of offering space and quiet. Finally, residents of the City of the dead live better than the overcrowded slum of Imbaba Chubra.Los or Mamluk architecture buffs will visit in the north of the necropolis (the Khalifa), the two mausoleums of Qaitbay and Barkuk.



The islands of Gezira and Roda
Green and sheltered from the bustle of the capital of Gezira island in the middle of the Nile, is home to the residential district of Zamalek, sports clubs, the new Opera and the Tower of Cairo, overlooking the city from the top of its 185 meters. Home to many embassies, chosen for its tranquility for many foreign residents, Zamalek seems to live at their own pace. The visitor tired of traffic jams and crowds of poor neighborhoods can wander leisurely shaded streets lined with large old houses encanto.En Roda Island lies the Manyal Palace, former residence of the son of Khedive Tewfiq, Mohamed Ali, today days turned into a museum (open from 9 to 16 pm Admission fee.) Situated on the edge of the Nile, protected by a wall that mimics the fortifications, the former royal residence is surrounded by a magnificent garden of lush vegetation.



The western shore
Administratively distinct from the eastern shore, when we cross the Nile, Cairo and leave enters the town of Giza-the west bank of the Nile it is also in their people and respect. Here we extend miles soulless modern buildings and wide avenues straight. There are large eucalyptus trees planted parks, small town squares, beautiful restored houses, which remind the visitor that a certain middle class built residences here in the countryside, and then only a few decades ago.

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The place where the big battle was fought between German and English armies in October 1942, now houses a high-level marina, with its rings and many Venetian-style canals are Egyptians and tourists with their turquoise waters. However, history has not been forgotten, thanks to a museum and memorial in honor of the nearly 80 000 dead from the war.


Marina
Through its 11 km. Beach, Marina is an exclusive resort reserved for the elite, where villas and bungalows hide among the lush vegetation. Hotels-resorts offer a wide variety of water sports, entertainment and food types. Porto Marina was opened in summer 2005. Canals and luxury shops of the Navy have made one of the most cherished resorts of East Próximo.Las recent excavations carried out by the sea have uncovered an ancient Roman villa and cemetery Greece.


Battle of 1942
In October 1942, desert warfare enjoyed one of their most famous and bloody battles. Around El Alamein, British troops from Montgomery, superior numbers and equipment, defeated Rommel's Afrika Korps. In that battle was at stake is control of the road leading to Alexandria.


Memorials and cemeteries
The combatants in this battle are remembered in different places. The German cemetery was built in the style of a medieval fortress, houses the remains of 4 200 soldiers. The Italian cemetery, meanwhile, is a mausoleum of a series of galleries. The Commonwealth cemetery, their graves are aligned, honors all military allies of the British (Greeks, Australians, South Africans).


Military Museum
The modest building has documents related to the Battle of El Alamein and the North African battles.

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This city will come from knobs to lovers of nature preserved. The beaches are free, and the coral reef is a few strokes away from the beach. In addition, the site itself is much more beautiful than the south, leaving the water, you can watch the spectacle of the Sinai mountains down to the sea. Almost as beautiful as the fish of the underwater ... Dahab, which in Arabic means 'gold', is divided between Assalah Bedouin village to the north and the administrative and commercial center to the south (the medina). Small hotels, cafes and Souk Bedouins are distributed around Assalah Bay, near the old lighthouse (Lighthouse), while the big chains are set against a long beach, two miles south.

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Aswan Nubia door
Aswan, in fact, seems close to half-open door of East Africa. The Nile swirls and becomes more fluid. Winds between the islands and the black rocks which disturb its slow majesty, and challenges the high dunes of golden sand to bury forever. The barges, with their great triangular sails, the travel lazily from bank to bank and island isla.Los Friday, a barge on the river brings impetuous youth groups cheerful laugh and sing to the beat of the drums and tambourines, while others will respond from the ledge of the Nile By nightfall, they encourage the cafes along the River. On nights when there is football game, hundreds of men drag on front glasses of tea, staring at the old TVs. To the smallest action of his favorite team, cheer, yell and argue.


The city, on the right bank of the river, it was in ancient trade center with Nubia. You can no longer find in their streets or ivory or precious woods, but the third city of Egypt is full of scents and spices coming directly from the south. The souk presents the colors and scents of the Sudanese market. Nubian population, recognizable by the black color of their skin, it follows an indolent dignity and grace that are the charm of the Sudanese. Are in fact many who vinierno to settle in Aswan. The women wear a long and colorful light veil with which they wrap the body.


Nubia
Lived on the river, and disappeared after the domestication of river. Nubia is the region south of Aswan today is drowned in the waters of Lake Nasser. It spread to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The northern boundary between Egypt and Nubia in the south, was the first cataract, cataract Asuán.La rocky region, all bordering the Nile provider, lived to the rhythm of flooding and silt that allowed the crops. Years that some try to decipher the mystery. Remains dating from the fifth millennium BC, ostrich eggs, for example, attest the existence of travel to the south. Ever since the unification of ancient Egypt, it extended its domination of the small southern neighbor, exploiting subsoil mostly filled with gold. The name "Nubia" is in fact a word that in ancient Egyptian, nominated the precious metal. This province also come in leopard skins, incense and plants aromáticas.En the Middle Kingdom, during the reign of Mentuhotep II, was conquered the northern part of the region. But in the south reign sovereign even Kush. From the capital, Kerma, and can resist its powerful northern neighbor. Will eventually be defeated and brought to the New Empire, before taking advantage of the anarchy that reigned in Thebes, which will eventually take over. Even go to Memphis, and the kingdom of the black pharaohs lasts until the invasion of the Assyrians from the north. The Kushite retreat southward in Meroe, where we still find traces of their civilization.


Nubian territory was divided once again, later on, when settlers established the border between Egypt and Sudan in the nineteenth century. But for a long time, survived the nostalgia in the heart and soul of some egipcios.Con successive dams on the Nile in Aswan, the inhabitants had to mostly abandon their villages, now under the waters, others located further north ( in the area of Kom Ombo, for example), where they tried to preserve their identity, at least at the architectural level.


Nubia Museum
The Nubians are here official recognition of their identity, the essence of his story, now drowned beneath the waters of Lake Nasser, and his civilización.Los two architects, an Egyptian and a Mexican, managed to build one of the most beautiful museums Egypt. The building is nice and spacious exhibition halls are linked together perfectly. They traces the history of Nubian civilization from prehistory to the present day, with some rooms saved from the waters at the time of construction of large dam.


Just after the entrance, an interactive terminal, in Arabic and English, can display a map of the museum. On the right, a very dark room is devoted to temporary exhibitions. In the basement, a huge model allows the geographical location of Nubia. Behind her, a colossal statue of Ramses II welcomes the visitor, with his eternal smile. It is best to start the tour on the left. Pass from pre (magnificent animal prints, crafts, jewelry, tools) to Antigüedad.En the Old Kingdom, a State, the State of Kush was born in Upper Nubia. Will be annexed by Egypt during the reign of Tutmés I, and reborn after the fall of the New Empire. For a while, the capital of Kush was established at Meroe (modern Sudan). The exhibits show the prosperity of this State. Later, two pieces evoke, first, the Christianization of Nubia, the second its Islamization. The rescue of the Nubian temples by the UNESCO is described by a very large educational panels. Finally, a whole part of the museum is devoted to contemporary civilization through the remodeling of houses, school yards, scenes of weddings or agricultural work. Also of note is the beautiful open air museum, at different levels. There have been rebuilt a cave prehistoric and Islamic tombs.


The barges
Triangular sails are an integral part of the landscape of the Nile Will fit only for walking? Make no mistake, as these heavy boats still represent a regular means of transport for both humans and animals as commodities. Some of these boats go up the Nile along dozens or even hundreds of kilometers, with a load of stones, as in the times of the pharaohs, or cement.

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Beyond Cairo, expands the delta, a vast Corolla crossed with canals and Nile branches of the fertile plain, with tons of alluvium deposited by the river, so carefully cultivated that looks like a huge vegetable garden. Cotton, rice, fruits, vegetables and flowers constitute the wealth of this region. At the edge of the vast desert grow crops arena.Las land stolen from the ancient capital, Sais and Tanis are gone in body and soul, leaving behind villages and towns crowned with mosques and lively day and night.
Here once stood in the glorious days of the pharaohs, a small fishing village, Rakotis. When Alexander arrived in Egypt, wanted to make it their capital and make the Egyptian coast with its indelible mark. Alexandria was born, whose lighthouse, first built in the world, several centuries ago that illuminates the Mediterranean. Capital of the arts and literature, a favorite of kings and queens, scholars, lodged in it one of the most famous romantic passions of all time: that of Cleopatra and Mark Antonio.Después the Arab conquest, and while lost its capital status for Cairo, Alexandria city kept its specificity more open to the Mediterranean to Egypt. Full of communities like the Greek, Jewish and Armenian, and a favorite of foreigners, seems to pout into the país.Aunque today there are few descendants of those communities, the city remains from that period in its history a particular environment. The walk along the ledge is inescapable. No doubt the cosmopolitan city nostalgic described by Lawrence Durrell be disappointed. Missing and elegance that walks, umbrella in hand and the beautiful vanished foreign cars. The buildings that border, despite its antiquated charm, resist evil sea air that corrodes. Do not forget that Alexandria is the favorite holiday destination of cairotas.A along the arc of the cornice, families and lovers stroll while sipping a cold. You can admire the baskets of fish and shellfish fresh from the sea and watch the old, mending nets while dreaming of Marseille, "there where the fish leave the water alone." In short, you can enjoy life.
The cafes of Alexandria
Huge rooms with antique paintings and large mirrors scattered, large terraces overlooking the sea, Alexandria's cafes are classics of the genre, almost brand the Mediterranean city. The old Alexandrians, those who claim to be the "true", since his family is installed there since Alexander the Great (at least), spend hours, cigarette in the corner of his mouth, watching the sea, indifferent to the din. When the wind is too strong, they get inside and engages in endless games of dominoes, or immersed for hours in the newspaper. Meanwhile, their wives will enjoy tea and cream cakes in bakeries Zaglul Saad Square. To believe that the British never left Alexandria ...
The strong Qaitbay
At the north end of the East Bay are erected the battlements of this fortress Mamluk, built in 1480 at the site of the lighthouse of Alexandria, destroyed as a result of two earthquakes, in the eleventh and fourteenth centuries. Keeper of the bay, strong wipes stoically, for centuries, the anger of the White Sea, the Mediterranean Arabic name.
The palace of Ras el-Tin
West of the fort, Faruq lived one of the most important pages in the history of contemporary Egypt, signed his abdication, ending with royalty. In the nearby beaches extend small craft shipyard, where workers build, with very little machinery, luxury wooden boats for rich Gulf emirates.
The district Anfuchi
Between the fort and the palace was once the neighborhood of the sailors, especially famous for its houses fenced, closed today. However, the popular walk along the streets, the visitor will find pleasant cafes decorated with tiles, and special fish restaurants where one chooses what taste.
The Roman Theatre (km Dikker)
In this space, located near the central station, has been digging since the early 1960's. Successive excavations have brought to light several public monuments, situated in the heart of Old Town, as a theater, public baths, cisterns and a residential neighborhood. At the entrance of the place are set statues rescued from the sea, next to Fort Qaitbay, by a team of French archaeologists Jean-Yves Empereur. In 2002 construction began on a new museum dedicated to the mosaics.
The column of Pompey and the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa
Height of 30 meters built in pink granite from Aswan, the column of Pompey would be the gift of the people of Alexandria to Emperor Diocletian who, faced with a rebellion, resigned to destroy the city and massacring its inhabitants. Remains found around the column is exposed, mostly in the Greco-Roman Museum.
At the top of the hill is the entrance to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa, dating from the first and second centuries AD C. Were discovered at the edge of the twentieth century by accident, when the floor collapsed under the weight of a donkey. The unfortunate fell more than ten meters. The story does not count if the animal survived, in any case to the discovery of more than 300 tombs, arranged along a network articulated around a large roundabout.
Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina was inaugurated in October 2002. The architects have designed a huge glass and aluminum cylinder of 160 meters long, bevelled and oriented towards the sea. Inside, hundreds of slender concrete columns with capitals in the form of a lotus flower on which the dome stands dominate the reading room of 7,000 m2. In the building are also a pocket that serves as a conference room, a planetarium equipped with Imax dome and an archaeological museum. In the basement are preserved nearly 8,000 ancient manuscripts and rare books studied and digitized, making them easier to consultation in the reading room. (The Shatby, tel.: 483 99 99)
The school Alexandrian
Created in 1990, its objective is to design the face and the topography of the capital of the Ptolemies, of Alexander (332 BC), Cleopatra (30 BC). Mediated the discovery of the remains is the lighthouse of Alexandria. The adventure would have deserved to stay in the field of dreams. In 1993, a thick layer of concrete was poured at the foot of Qaitbay strong in the west end of the bay, to consolidate. The school Alexandrians made a real race against time and took the waters of the Mediterranean a bust of a woman in red granite. It is the first piece that was saved from the waters. Follow many others, thousands of columns, capitals, fragments of an obelisk from the time of Seti I, 14 sphinxes and colossal statues. In other parts of Alexandria, the center has unearthed a necropolis and some gorgeous mosaics. Gradually, the design of the City of Cleopatra emerges from underground.
The discovery of the lighthouse of Alexandria
Since 1990, a team of French and Egyptians, led by Jean-Yves Empereur Hellenistic, excavating the city of Alexander. His discovery-mediated disputed by some, was the remains of the lighthouse of Alexandria, which for centuries lay 8 meters below the water, near the fort of Qaitbay. In addition to the blocks from the seventh wonder of the world, archaeologists, divers discovered, with surprise, a real "shock" of antiques, prior to the Ptolemies. Fragments of an obelisk of Seti I, 14 sphinxes, statues. Counted more than 2,000 blocks lying on more than 2 hectares. Some parts have been removed overburden and water. But the team has for years of work.
Beaches of Alexandria
The beaches of Alexandria are very well-deserved popularity. Starting with the beautiful seafront promenade in the city itself, its magnificent beaches stretch along more than 140 km to the east and west of the city. In summer, Cairenes flock to Alexandria to enjoy its sandy beaches. To escape the crowd is preferable to address the most remote beaches in the city. The beaches of Montazah lie at the foot of the Palace of the Khedive Abbas with its impressive architecture fairytale. The park surrounding the palace, over 150 hectares, is one of the favorite places for Alexandrians to stroll.
Underwater Archaeology Museum Alexandria
This gigantic amphibious museum, which opened to the public is planned for 2012 or 2013, will highlight the important archaeological discoveries in Alexandria Bay for the past two decades (http://www.rougerie.com/ virtual tour).
Egyptian Tourist Authority

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