Real estate investors continue to show little interest in investing in el-Quseir, a 5,000-year-old city on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, despite the irresistible attractions of the city.
Visitors to the city can easily see how nature has been very generous with it over the millennia.
The city was at the centre of attention of Egypt’s rulers over the ages.
About 135 kilometres south of the renowned resort of Hurghada, el-Quseir was at the end of the shortest route from the Nile River to the Red Sea and became one of ancient Egypt’s earliest and most important ports.
It was at the heart of the economy of the reign of Queen Hatshepsut (1478-1458BC), who used the port city for trade.
During the Roman Era (333BC-AD646), the city was at the centre of the economic, political and strategic plans of the Roman Empire.
When the Arabs conquered Egypt in 639, they used el-Quseir for trade and as a main departure point for pilgrims bound to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, across the Red Sea.
Each historic phase left its mark on the city.
Monuments, some of which are in ruins, testify to the city’s prosperous past.
El-Quseir Castle is the best-preserved monument in the city.
It was built by the Ottomans in 1799 to provide protection against invading armies.
For many decades, the castle was a main military and political centre.
Some of those who controlled the city made the castle the government headquarters. It is a relic of bygone times that offers insights into the greatness of the history of el-Quseir and its importance for all those who conquered it.
Some parts of the castle, which overlooks the Red Sea, are intact, though badly in need of restoration.
The church of the city is a piece of art and an important spiritual centre.
Built in 1920, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Martyr Barbara Church captivate visitors as soon as they set foot inside it.
The main hall of the church reflects the wonderful taste of its builders — Italian engineers who arrived in el-Quseir at the beginning of the 20th century to explore for phosphate.
The church’s historic value mirrors the diversity of the city, which also boasts an ancient mosque.
The church is only one item in a long list of interesting places to go to in el-Quseir.
Nature is el-Quseir’s most outstanding attraction. The city’s warm climate all year makes it a perfect winter destination.
With its 45,000 residents, many working in the fishing industry, el-Quseir remains a quiet resort with sandy beaches and coral reefs.
It has come a long way from the major industrial town it once was to become a wonderful destination for diving.
It is prized for its well-preserved and stunning coral reefs. Diving is restricted to a limited number of divers, reducing the stress on marine life and the underwater environment.
The city has several dive clubs that provide visitors with diving gear, tours and tips about diving locations.
The desert of el-Quseir is appropriate for safari activities. Surrounded by mountains, the desert encloses an oasis where locals receive tourists, lavish them with Bedouin treats and help show them memorable time.
Simplicity makes the city a perfect destination for those tired of overcrowding and modernity, but el-Quseir also caters to the tastes of culture and history lovers, as well as adventure seekers.
The city is an affordable destination for both the rich and the less rich. It is not an ostentatious destination, but one where everything is real and simple, even though el-Quseir has a number of five-star hotels.
The simplicity of the city, its virgin attractions and peaceful nature make it memorable for visitors.
