Plans underway for underwater museum showcasing sunken cities off Alexandria coast, Egypt, aiming to preserve heritage and enhance tourism.
Egypt is exploring the development of an underwater museum in Abu Qir Bay, near Alexandria, to exhibit its submerged ancient cities and artifacts.
This initiative aims to preserve the nation’s rich underwater heritage and bolster tourism.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has directed officials to conduct a comprehensive inventory of sunken relics and deliver a detailed plan within a month.
The proposal includes creating diving zones and recovery sites to attract high-value visitors and stimulate the heritage economy.
Abu Qir Bay is home to the submerged ruins of ancient cities such as Heracleion (Thonis), Canopus, and Menouthis.
These cities, once thriving ports, were lost to the sea due to natural disasters and rising sea levels.
Notable discoveries in the area include statues, temples, and artifacts dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
The concept of an underwater museum in Alexandria has been considered since the 1990s.
Previous plans featured designs with fiberglass tunnels and glass submarines to allow visitors to view submerged antiquities.
However, challenges such as water pollution and funding have delayed implementation.
The renewed focus on this project aligns with Egypt’s broader efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and preserve its cultural heritage.
By showcasing these underwater treasures, Egypt aims to provide a unique experience for tourists and scholars alike.
