Elephants crossing the Zambezi river in Mana Pools National Park world heritage site, Zimbabwe

The great mosque in the Old Towns of Djenne world heritage site, Mali

Black and white ruffed lemur, Rainforests of the Atsinanana world heritage site, Madagascar

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Egypt after the Pharoahs

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(clockwise from top left: Grauer's gorilla (Kahuzi-Biega); Rock-hewn church (Lalibela); Hominid skull (Ethiopia); Protea flower (Cape Floral Region)

Abu Mena - Egypt

Map showing the location of Abu Mena UNESCO world heritage Site In Danger (near Alexandria, Egypt)

In Danger Since 2001

Website Category: Egypt after the Pharaohs

Area: 1.8 km²

Inscribed: 1979

Criteria: (iv) icon of an era

Location and Values: Abu Mena is located about 50 km south-west of Alexandria. It is an archaeological site preserving the remains of an early Christian holy city, including a church, baptistery, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses and workshops. The site has suffered severe subsidence in recent years, as a result of an ill-conceived agricultural irrigation project nearby. The property is on the List of World Heritage In Danger, and is closed to the public while remedial restoration work is carried out.

Slideshow of Abu Mena:

Google Earth View: To view satellite imagery of Abu Mena on Google Earth, click here. This opens a new window, so when you are finished, just close the Google Earth page and you will be straight back here to continue browsing. The satellite view of Abu Mena is quite clear, and you can make out individual buildings so it is worth taking a few minutes to explore the site and its surroundings by panning in and out, and looking to left and right at high resolution.

Links to other places featuring Egypt after the Pharaohs: Cairo I St Catherine

Other Links: Official UNESCO Site Details

The modern Coptic Monastery of Abu Mina lies adjacent to the archaeological site of Abu Mena UNESCO world heritage site (near Alexandria, Egypt) Restoration work underway at the Coptic christian archaeological site of Abu Mena (UNESCO world heritage site near Alexandria, Egypt) Ruins of the Coptic Christian pilgrimage centre at the archaeological site of Abu Mena (UNESCO world heritage site near Alexandria, Egypt) Broken pots testify to the export of 'Holy' water from the archaeological site of Abu Mena (UNESCO world heritage Site in Danger near Alexandria, Egypt)