Mons Porphyrites
Hurghada, Red Sea, 1980001
Egypt’s rare porphyry was highly valued by the ancient Romans, and this former Roman quarry—once a thriving settlement of houses, temples, and workshops—was mined for its precious purple and white crystalline stone, used to decorate columns, sarcophagi, and temples. Relics and ruins of this activity remain at this archaeological site.
The basics
Most travelers to Mons Porphyrites visit on a guided day trip from Hurghada. While not much remains standing from the original quarry town, the remains of encampments, temples, and workshops testify to the quarry’s past. It’s possible to combine a visit to the porphyry quarry with a stop at nearby Mons Claudianus, where the Romans once sourced rare black granite used to carve the pillars of Rome’s Pantheon.
Things to know before you go
*Mons Porphyrites is a destination for visitors interested in history, archaeology, and geology.
*Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
*Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
How to get there
The Mons Porphyrites quarries are 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Hurghada. The best way to visit is by organized tour.
When to get there
Warm temperatures throughout the year mean there isn’t really a bad time to visit the quarry. Shade can be hard to come by, so arrive early in the morning in July and August, when the weather tends to be hot and humid.
Where was porphyry used?
The white and purple stone taken from this quarry was once a symbol of imperial grandeur, and it was used to embellish some of the Roman Empire’s most notable buildings. The stone was transported across the desert to the Nile before spreading throughout the empire for use in structures such as the Temple of Venus in Rome, sarcophagi in Egypt, and Constantinople’s imperial palace.
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