Mersa Matruh
is a Mediterranean seaport and the capital of the Matrouh Governorate in Egypt. It is 240 km (150 mi) west of Alexandria and 222 km from Sallum, on the main highway from the Nile Delta to the Libyan border. Another highway leads south from the town, toward the Western Desert and the oases of Siwa and Bahariya.
During Ancient Egyptian times and during the reign of Alexander The Great, the city was known as Amunia. In Ptolemaic and Byzantine times it was known as Paraitonion (Παραιτόνιον), and in Roman times, as Paraetonium.
Mersa Matruh is a major Egyptian tourist resort and serves as a getaway resort for Europeans as well as Cairenes eager to flee the capital in the sweltering summer months. It is served by Mersa Matruh Airport. The city is known for its white soft sands and calm transparent waters; the bay is protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural breakwater, with a small opening to allow access for light vessels.
Monuments and tourist sites:
• Ruins of the Temple of the King, Pharaoh Rameses II (1200 B.C)
• Drowned city of Caesar.
• Drowned Palace of Cleopatra.
• Egyptian Fleet Anchorage which was built by the Ptolemies. The remains of the naval installations still stand west of the port.
• Coptic Chapel: built in 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.
• The British Cemetery: Thousands upon thousands of rock-hewn tombstones stand in straight rows amidst a fenced garden.
• The German Cemetery: It is a fortress like memorial that was built on a height 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.
Main beaches:
• Ageebah Beach: About 28 km. west of Mersa Matruh downtown, it is distinguished by its numerous natural caves and enchanting scenery.
• Al-Obayed Beach: About 20 km. west of Mersa Matruh downtown, beauty surpasses that of Mersa Matruh beach.
• Romel Bay.