Mansoura — city in Egypt that offers a consistently warm climate, numerous attractions and a variety of hotels that welcome guests from all over the world. Local historical tours are a particularly appealing experience for those wishing to gain an insight into the country’s cultural heritage. The city’s strategic location on the Nile provides a tranquil setting, ideal for a relaxing family holiday.
To fully appreciate the appeal of a visit to Mansoura, it is essential to gain an understanding of the city’s main sights. Below is a selection its most notable attractions, which have made it famous not only throughout Egypt, but also on a global scale.
Mansoura University. It is one of the largest educational institutions in Egypt and was founded in 1972. It is ranked among the top 500 universities in the world. Many prominent figures have been educated at this university, including Ayman Nour, Khairat El-Shater, Mohamed Mansi Qandil and Mohamed Ghoneim.
- Stadium. This is where the world-famous Egyptian football club El Mansoura, which takes part in international competitions. The stadium has a capacity of 18,000 and was opened in 1962.
- Ibn Lokman’s Palace. It is an architectural and historical landmark of city Mansoura. Here, the French King Louis IX was held captive by Egyptian warriors. Now it is a national museum full of artefacts from the ancient world.
- Shinnavi Palace. It is an architectural masterpiece, built in the Italian style. It is widely regarded as Italy’s most exquisite cultural heritage, situated outside the country.
- Mubarak Library. The building houses a significant collection of ancient manuscripts, historical books and other items that are considered relics. The library is attached to Mansoura University.
History of the city Mansoura
Mansoura city is rich with historical heritage. Firstly, its name is derived from the Arabic word ‘Al-Mansura’, which translates as “Victorious”. The city was named after warriors of Egypt secured a victory against French King Ludwig IX during the Crusades. Since then, Mansoura has been regarded as a symbol of Egyptian victory. The city was established in 1219 by Saladin’s nephew, Abu Bakr Malik ibn al-Adil I of the Ayyubid dynasty.
Since that time, the city has experienced significant growth and stability, with the exception of the 14 October 1973 incident. Air battles between Israeli and Egyptian warplanes were taking place in Mansoura. Approximately 160 fighter jets engaged in aerial combat, illuminating the sky above the city with bright lights.
The engagement lasted 53 minutes. The army of Egypt reported that, despite the numerical superiority of the Israeli aircraft, 17 were shot down and the remainder retreated. Egypt announced that it had lost six fighters. Following this, the Air Force Day in this country was changed from 2 November to 14 October to commemorate the day of the air battle in Mansoura.
Nowadays, Mansoura city is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It offers a tranquil setting on the banks of the Nile River, providing a welcome escape from the political unrest in the region.
Location
Mansoura’s strategic location in Egypt makes it an ideal destination for a holiday in a hot climate, offering convenient access to the water. The city is situated on the eastern bank of the Damietta, one of the branches of the Nile River, in the area of its delta. This location is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from Cairo. The city of Mansoura is situated 120 kilometers away and can be reached in two hours by bus or in just over an hour by car.
The city’s strategic location provides it with a diverse range of revenue sources. There are three main ones that are interesting to those looking for an interesting place to visit in Egypt:
- Trade
This location’s proximity to Cairo and its geographical position have made it an integral part of the country’s major trade routes. There are still numerous bazaars and trading locations in the area, offering a wide range of goods from around the globe at competitive prices.
- Natural gas production
Mansoura is home to the fertile areas where the world’s most valuable resource is extracted. As a result, the city attracts workers from all over Egypt to work in the field, as well as investors and shareholders.
- Tourism
Mansoura has many hotels, restaurants, beaches and other places for cultural holidays. The city’s attractions also attract those who want to learn about the country’s history and culture. You can enjoy a luxurious holiday at attractive prices, while enjoying the warm climate and delicious food.
Conclusions
Mansoura is a hidden gem of Egypt, according to many tourists who have visited the city at least once. Its numerous attractions, including historical sites and family-friendly activities, make it an ideal destination for a pleasant holiday. Its location on one of the branches of the Nile attracts a constant influx of people from all over the world, who want to experience the history and entertainment side of Egypt.
