Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities champions Alexandria’s cultural revival
On a recent visit to Alexandria, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, embarked on a mission to elevate the city’s status as a global cultural and tourism hub. His tour of the Greco-Roman Museum and Qaitbay Citadel underscored the government’s commitment to showcasing Alexandria’s rich archaeological heritage while unveiling ambitious plans to integrate its treasures into Egypt’s tourism strategy.
Accompanied by senior officials, including Deputy Minister Yamna El-Bahar, Supreme Council of Antiquities Secretary-General Mohamed Ismail Khaled, and other key figures, Fathy began his visit at the Greco-Roman Museum.
Recently reopened in October 2023 after extensive renovations under the supervision of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the museum stands as a testament to Alexandria’s historical significance. During the tour, Fathy received a detailed briefing on the museum’s history, its evolving galleries, and its unique collection, which highlights the distinctive Alexandrian art and the preservation of submerged artifacts. The minister praised the museum as a cornerstone of Alexandria’s tourism offerings, describing its displays as “innovative, modern, and a pinnacle of heritage preservation.”
Fathy directed officials to craft a new tourism promotion plan for Alexandria, emphasizing greater inclusion of the Greco-Roman Museum in travel itineraries. He highlighted the potential to link the increasing tourist flow to Egypt’s North Coast with visits to Alexandria’s archaeological sites, aiming to position the city as a must-visit destination on the global stage. “Alexandria’s civilizational and cultural legacy deserves to be at the forefront of international tourism programs,” Fathy stated, aligning with the ministry’s strategy to showcase Egypt’s diverse attractions and solidify its place as a premier global tourism destination.
The Greco-Roman Museum offers a comprehensive narrative of ancient Egypt, with a particular focus on Alexandria’s role during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Its exhibits cover political life, daily routines, religious beliefs, funerary practices, and the city’s legacy as a beacon of science, intellect, and culture in the ancient world. The museum also showcases Egypt’s trade and craftsmanship, reflecting its historical connections with other civilizations, as well as the evolution of Byzantine and Coptic art.
Fathy’s visit extended to the iconic Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fortress built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay between 1477 and 1479 CE on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. Located in Alexandria’s Anfushi district, the citadel is surrounded by the Mediterranean on three sides and remains a symbol of the city’s defensive heritage.
The minister, joined by Mohamed Metwally, Director General of Islamic and Coptic Antiquities in Alexandria, inspected ongoing restoration efforts, including timelines for completion, and toured the citadel’s inner and outer walls, main tower, mosque, and cistern. He also visited the recently upgraded visitor center, which provides insights into Alexandria’s unique archaeological sites and the historical role of the citadel, alongside fortifications developed under Muhammad Ali Pasha along the North Coast.
During his visit, Fathy engaged with museum and citadel staff, commending their dedication to preserving these cultural landmarks. He also met with Russian and Italian tourists, who expressed admiration for Alexandria’s historical sites, reinforcing the city’s appeal to international visitors. Fathy called for organizing international scientific forums and events focused on Egyptology to position Egypt as a global hub for academic and cultural exchange.
Before departing, the minister left a heartfelt note in the Greco-Roman Museum’s guestbook, expressing his delight at the visit and praising the museum’s “stunning and innovative” displays. He wished continued success to the museum’s management and staff, recognizing their role in maintaining this exceptional cultural institution.
Alexandria’s Greco-Roman Museum and Qaitbay Citadel are not just historical relics but vibrant testaments to Egypt’s enduring legacy. With the minister’s forward-looking vision, these sites are poised to play a central role in elevating Alexandria’s global tourism profile, inviting the world to explore the city’s unparalleled cultural treasures.