Wadi al-Gimel

The Wadi al-Gimel Protectorate is a stunningly gorgeous terrain that hides the remains of Rome's emerald mines deep in the southern parts of the Red Sea's the Eastern Desert, some 336 kilometers south of Hurghada.

The most important archaeological site in the area is Sikait, which functioned as a base for miners dispatched to extract the valuable green stone from the dry highlands. A modest temple dedicated to the goddess Isis is cut into the rock face and is surrounded by crumbling stone houses. Nearby are the ruins of Nugrus, where the actual mine was located, as well as the remnants of two small settlements (called Apollonia and Gelil) that previously served as trade posts. Even if you aren't interested in the history, the sceneries are breathtaking, and a trip into this arid desert with scattered acacia trees and looming, jagged mountains is worth it for the scenery as well as the historical relics