Waterfront Quarter

Nestled along the canal’s edge, in the heart of Port Said, lies the enchanting Waterfront Quarter. Here, the very essence of a bygone era permeates the atmosphere, casting a nostalgic spell on all who wander its cobbled streets. The architecture paints a vivid picture of late 19th-century and early 20th-century elegance, complete with weathered wooden balconies, louvred doors, and lofty verandahs. A stroll along the raised boardwalk that traces Sharia Palestine offers sweeping vistas of the iconic canal.

Begin your journey with a leisurely walk down the captivating Sharia Memphis, where the venerable Woolworth’s building stands as a silent witness to history. Meander through the charming lanes of Sharia Al-Gomhuriyya and explore the streets just north of the Commercial Basin, where eccentric colonial remnants await discovery. The old canal shipping agency building, a relic of a bygone era, stands in silent testament to Port Said’s maritime heritage. Nearby, the once-famed Simon Arzt department store echoes with the whispers of a more glamorous past, while archway entrances proudly announce the presence of the Bible Society building.

Venture northeast to Sharia 23rd of July, where the imposing Italian consulate building, erected in the 1930s, commands attention. Adorned with an engraved piece of propaganda from Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, it boldly proclaims, “Rome – once again at the heart of an empire.”

Several blocks inland, around Sharia Salah Salem, a treasure trove of churches awaits exploration. Among them, the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Bishoi of the Virgin and the Franciscan compound stand as spiritual sanctuaries, each with its unique story to tell.

At the northernmost tip of Sharia Palestine, a grand stone plinth stands as a silent sentinel to history. It once cradled a statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps, a symbol of the city’s connection to the Suez Canal. However, in 1956, with the nationalization of the canal, this iconic statue was dismantled, marking a poignant moment in Port Said’s history.

In conclusion, the Waterfront Quarter in Port Said is a living testament to a time long past, a place where history and architecture converge to create an enchanting tapestry of days gone by. Exploring its streets is like embarking on a journey through the annals of Egyptian history, where each corner reveals a piece of the city’s rich heritage.