Sat 11th Oct 2008
- Mansoura Travel Guide & City Information
Mansoura is one of the biggest cities in Egypt but receives very few tourists. It is mainly famous as a university town and it has a very good medical faculty.
Among th historic sights of the town, the most famous is the Dar Ibn Lockman, the house where Louis IX, King of France, was imprisoned in 1250 after the seventh Crusade was defeated. The house has now been turned into a museum for his possessions and memorabilia.
Another interesting sight is the Shinnawi Palace. It was built by an Italian architect in 1928 and is considered the most magnificent of its style outside of Italy. For more luxury villas, head to the Touryel area.
For lively markets the Al-Khawagat market is the place to go. In earlier times it was run by Greeks, Jews and Lebanese, today's traders are Egyptian and their products include flashy-coloured galabiyas, underwear, textiles, socks, shoes, brass and aluminium pots.