Published on
August 24, 2025
Alexandria, Egypt—known for its ancient treasures—has just revealed four remarkable artefacts pulled from the Mediterranean near Abu Qir Bay. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities shared the news on August 20, 2025, the same day the world celebrates the International Day for the Preservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage. By linking the announcement to this occasion, Egypt highlighted the ongoing effort to protect sunken artifacts with global significance.
This announcement is Egypt’s first significant underwater recovery in 16 years. The objects, including three finely carved statues and a singular millstone, have quickly caught the attention of both tourists and researchers. With unveiling plans for a dedicated exhibition in Alexandria, visitors will see the pieces up close, enriching the city’s reputation as a rising center for archaeological travel.
Unique Recoveries Fuel Tourism Growth in Alexandria
Among the finds are three fragmented statues and one millstone that together create a wider story of ancient Egypt and Rome. The quartz sphinx, with the name of Ramses II etched across its surface, reminds us of the Early New Kingdom. The late Ptolemaic royal statue carved from granite and a white Roman marble statue of a nobleman both hint at Alexandria’s blended culture. The highlight, however, is the first-ever Olynthian millstone identified in Egypt, expanding scholars’ understanding of Mediterranean trade and daily life. Collectively, these artefacts offer a fascinating cross-section of time and civilization, attracting added attention to Alexandria’s bustling archaeological tourism.
Revealing ancient treasures from Alexandria’s underwater museum is sparking fresh excitement just when the city is shining as Egypt’s next big cultural tourism hub. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is doubling down on spotlighting and safeguarding the treasures hidden beneath the sea. Displaying these newly surfaced artefacts is a clear signal that the nation is talking directly to global visitors who want to step right into the stories behind history.
Reinforcing Alexandria as a Must-See Cultural Tourism Hub
Pulling artefacts from the deep to display on land only boosts Alexandria’s already impressive line-up of historical draws. The city still rolls out the ancient welcome mat with sights like the legendary Great Library, the seafront Qaitbay Citadel, and the mysterious Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs. Toss in newly discovered underwater pieces, and visitors suddenly have an even richer tapestry to explore, getting extra insight into the ancient seafaring that once connected this city to the rest of the Mediterranean.
The new treasures on display are sure to pull more world travelers to our shores—especially anyone fascinated by shipwrecks and the ancient world. Most of the pieces just brought up came from the Mediterranean, and the waters of Abu Qir Bay are quickly being crowned the hottest target for archaeology-loving divers. Anyone already planning a visit to Alexandria now gets the chance to add a live story to their trip—getting to see how Egypt’s maritime history and the coastal civilizations that built it are being uncovered and preserved in real time.
These expos are more than a dazzling show. They remind us that Egypt is serious about safeguarding the treasures that lie beneath the waves. Each year, the International Day for the Preservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage gives us a chance to remind the world about the priceless history resting quietly below the Mediterranean and Red Seas and the reason we have to protect it.
Egypt, working alongside both local and international archaeologists, has made significant progress in developing cutting-edge technology and techniques for preserving its sunken treasures. This partnership means that visitors to Egypt can soon explore an even broader narrative of the country’s cultural legacy by seeing artefacts that have been expertly recovered from beneath the waves.
How the Recovered Artefacts Will Be Showcased
The artefacts just brought up from the Abu Qir Bay site will be featured in museums and pop-up exhibitions throughout Alexandria. Displays at these venues will help visitors grasp the story and importance of each item, while offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the care and skill that drive modern underwater excavation. The Society of Friends of Alexandria Antiquities will be the backbone of the organising team, making sure that the pieces are securely housed and elegantly presented. Guests will have the chance to explore the methods that made their retrieval possible, as well as hear how these dramatic discoveries are reshaping Egypt’s archaeological tourism landscape.
Diving into Egypt’s Underwater World
Egypt is making waves in the travel scene by expanding its underwater archaeological tourism, and the finds in Abu Qir Bay are lighting the way. Soon, visitors—whether trained divers, budding archaeologists, or curious vacationers—can glide over ancient ruins and see firsthand how Egypt’s seafaring ancestors managed trade, worship, and warfare.
A recent exhibit of the treasures pulled from the bay is proof: Pharaoh’s artifacts are being showcased to thrill visitors and inspire vacationers to explore the depths. This is part of a smart, wider push to turn Egypt into a must-see spot for anyone happy to slip below the waterline. By sticking to environmentally friendly practices and careful restoration, the country makes sure today’s divers share the wonders of the ancient deep while tomorrow’s explorers can do the same, with all of Egypt’s spectacular maritime heritage safe for centuries to come.
Conclusion
The launch of newly recovered underwater antiquities in Alexandria represents a game-changing moment for Egypt’s cultural tourism strategy. With more than 500,000 travelers exploring Egypt’s archaeological sites each year, these treasures open up fresh pathways to discover the nation’s ancient seafaring past. A seamless partnership between Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and a team of global archaeologists guarantees that the underwater heritage is both safeguarded and celebrated, strengthening tourism and reinforcing Egypt’s reputation as the premier global hub for archaeological and cultural exploration.
