Damietta
Damietta Governorate. The City of Furniture, the Nile, the Sea, and the Gateway to Egyptian Industry
Damietta Governorate is one of Egypt's most distinctive governorates, as it is a city that combines the beauty of coastal nature, the antiquity of history, and the craftsmanship that it has been known for over hundreds of years. Located in the north of Egypt at the confluence of the Nile River and the Mediterranean Sea, Damietta is a unique location that has given it great importance throughout history and made it a center of trade, industry, and fishing.
Damietta is internationally famous for the furniture industry, which is one of the most important handicraft industries in Egypt, and it is characterized by its beautiful beaches, landscapes, ancient markets, and famous seafood. The governorate offers a different tourist experience that combines relaxing on the sea, discovering heritage, and learning about the skills of Egyptian craftsmen.
Damietta Governorate Location
Damietta Governorate is located in the north of the Nile River Delta, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to the north, while it is bordered on the south by Dakahlia Governorate, on the east by Port Said Governorate, and on the west by Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.
The governorate is strategically located, as it is located at the mouth of the Damietta branch of the Nile River in the Mediterranean Sea, which is one of the two main branches of the Nile. This location has given it great historical and commercial importance, as it has been a center of navigation and trade since ancient times.
Damietta is about 200 kilometers from Cairo, making it easy to reach via a modern road network.
History and Civilization of Damietta
Damietta has a long history dating back to ancient Egyptian times, as it was an important region due to its location on the Mediterranean Sea and its proximity to trade routes.
The city was known by various names during different eras, and was an important commercial center during the Greek and Roman eras. It also played a prominent role in the Islamic era, as it became one of the most important coastal cities in Egypt.
Damietta witnessed many important historical events, most notably its resistance to the Crusades, as it was subjected to multiple attacks due to its strategic location, the most famous of which was the campaign of Louis IX on Egypt in 1249, which ended with the defeat of the campaign after the Battle of Mansoura and the capture of its commander.
Damietta still retains many historical evidence that reflect the city's importance throughout the ages.
Top Tourist Attractions in Damietta
Ras El Bar
The city of Ras El Bar is the most famous resort in Damietta Governorate and one of the most important Egyptian resorts on the Mediterranean Sea.
Ras El Bar is distinguished by its unique location at the meeting point of the Nile River and the Mediterranean Sea, a rare landscape that attracts visitors from various governorates.
The city is famous for its wide beach, promenade, restaurants and cafes, and it also provides a suitable atmosphere for families and young people to spend summer vacations.
Some of the most famous areas in Ras El Bar:
- Tongue.
- Nile Region.
- Nile Street.
- Main beach.
- Markets and restaurants.
Tongue area
The Lisan area is one of the most famous landmarks of Damietta and Ras El Bar, and it is the area where the Nile water meets the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
The area has a charming view, especially at sunset, where visitors can see the unique landscape and take souvenir photos.
The area also includes a beautiful walkway, restaurants, and cafes that make it one of the best places to stroll in the governorate.
Orabi Castle
Orabi Castle is located near the beach of Damietta, and it is a historical landmark that has been associated with defending the city and protecting it from invaders.
The castle is part of Damietta's military history, and gives the visitor an opportunity to learn about the importance of the coastal site of the governorate throughout history.
Amr Ibn al-Aas Mosque
The Amr Ibn al-Aas Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Damietta, and is associated with the date of the entry of Islam into Egypt.
The mosque is distinguished by its architectural style and spirituality, and is an important religious landmark for visitors and those interested in Islamic history.
Lake Manzala
Lake Manzala stretches between several governorates, including Damietta, and is one of the most important natural lakes in Egypt.
The lake is characterized by its environmental diversity, is an important source of fisheries, and provides wonderful landscapes for photography and nature lovers.
The lives of many residents of the area are linked to the fishing profession, which is one of the oldest activities in Damietta.
Furniture Industry in Damietta
Damietta is known as the furniture capital of Egypt and the Middle East, where it has been known for making high-quality furniture for hundreds of years.
Damietti furniture is characterized by precision in design, quality of wood, and high skill in engraving and finishing.
The governorate includes thousands of workshops and factories that produce:
- Bedrooms.
- Dining rooms.
- Offices.
- Home Furniture.
- Wooden decorations.
Damietta Furniture City has become a major industrial project that aims to develop this industry and increase its competitiveness locally and globally.
Food and cuisine in Damiati
Damietta is known for its distinctive seafood due to its coastal location and heavy reliance on fishing.
Some of the most popular foods to try are:
- Grilled fish.
- Al-Sinjari.
- Shrimp.
- Crab.
- Squid.
- Al-Fasikh.
- Herring.
Damietta is also famous for making cheese and sweets, especially the famous Damietta cheese, which has become one of the most popular types of cheese in Egypt.
Things to do in Damietta
Damietta offers many activities to suit different visitors, including:
- Enjoy the beaches of Ras El Bar.
- Stroll in the tongue area.
- Watch the Nile meet the sea.
- Seafood experience.
- Purchase furniture and local products.
- Visit the old souks.
- Fishing trips.
- Take photos in natural areas.
Shopping in Damietta
Shopping is an important part of the experience of visiting Damietta, especially for lovers of furniture and handmade products.
The visitor can buy:
- Home Furniture.
- Wooden artifacts.
- Artisan products.
- Damiati cheese.
- Marine products.
The markets of Damietta are characterized by their diversity, reasonable prices and the quality of the products offered.
Best Time to Visit Damietta
Summer is the best time to enjoy Ras Al Bar's beaches and marine activities, especially during the months of July and August.
Spring and autumn are suitable for those who prefer a calm atmosphere, sightseeing, and getting away from the crowds.
Tips for visitors to Damietta
For the best experience in Damietta, it is advisable to:
- Visit Ras Al Bar in the morning or sunset time to enjoy the scenery.
- Experience local seafood.
- Make time to visit furniture workshops and learn about the famous industry.
- Buy products from trusted places.
- Enjoy walking on the promenade and coastal areas.
- Keeping beaches and natural areas clean.