Berenice
The ancient city of Berenice, named by Ptolemy
II Philadelphos after his mother, became a trading port in 275
BC. A ruined Temple of Semiramis built by Trajan and Tiberius
is near the modern town and, inland, there are the remains of
the emerald mines of Wadi Sakait, which were worked from Pharaonic
to Roman times. On the outer walls of the temple are representations
of Emperor Tiberius before the god Min, and another depicts
offerings to the deity of the Green Mines. The coast is lined
with mangrove swamps and unspoiled bays and coves. Offshore,
visit the tectonic island of Zabargad, a geological phenomenon
which is also famous as the source of the semi-precious gem
olivine, mined here from 1500 BC until the mid-20th century.
From Peridot hill there are breathtaking views of the surrounding
blue lagoons, rich in marine life and home to many dolphins.
While Berenice is famous for it's fishing, it also has some
of Egypt's best health spas.
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