Decided to check out Abu Mina ruins after seeing some old pics online. Thought it would be this grand hidden gem in Egypt. Boy, was I wrong.
The Journey Starts Badly
Woke up at stupid o’clock to catch a bus from Alexandria. Packed water and snacks because folks online said there’s nothing out there. Bus was crammed like sardines. Took forever just to get moving. Road felt like driving on the moon – potholes everywhere. Should’ve known right then.
Bus dumped us at some dusty crossroads. Zero signs. Zero taxis. Just desert and one donkey cart. Ended up haggling with some dude on a broken scooter to take us the last few miles. Sun was cooking us alive. Sweat dripping everywhere.
Arriving at the ‘Ruins’
Got there expecting majestic columns and cool mosaics. What we got:
- Broken walls about knee-high
- Trash blowing everywhere
- One sad info board faded white
- Zero shade
- Bugs biting us bad
No staff. No security. Just some bored kid selling warm Pepsi behind a tin shack. Tried to picture where the big church stood. Couldn’t. Hardly any structure left standing.
Why Bother?
The old basilica foundations? Mostly rubble piles. Underground tombs? Filled with sand and used as a litter box by stray cats. Whole place screamed neglect. Took maybe 20 pictures before running out of things to point at.
Tried sitting on some stones that might have been part of the ancient pilgrim hostel. Got up fast – ants crawling up my shorts. Saw one actual carved stone buried under sand. Dug it out. Looked like a chicken. Maybe a saint? Who knows.
The Hard Truth
Felt ripped off but also kinda sad. Place could be amazing if someone gave a damn. But right now? It’s a dusty field with forgotten stones. UNESCO site my foot.
Would I say it’s worth it? Only if:
- You drive yourself & have AC
- Bring ALL your water & food
- Go in winter at dawn
- Want bragging rights for seeing Egypt’s most depressing ancient site
Honestly? Save your time. Go literally anywhere else. This place ain’t ruined by accident – it’s ruined by management. World class neglect.
