Al Mina Archaeological Site


Dating from the 3rd millennium BC, these atmospheric ruins cover a large area leading down to an ancient submerged harbour. Highlights include a street paved with geometrical Roman and Byzantine mosaics, on each side of which are rows of large columns. Look out also for the unusually large public Roman bathhouse from the 2nd or 3rd century AD and a 4th-century rectangular arena that would have held up to 2000 spectators, perhaps to watch some sort of ancient water sport.

A five-minute walk north of the main Al Mina site brings you to the ruins of a 12th-century Crusader cathedral, along with a network of Roman and Byzantine roads. Ask at the main ruins, as it's not always open.


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1. Mosaic Street

0.08 MILES

From the entrance of the Al Mina archaeological complex, you pass down this street paved with geometrical Roman and Byzantine mosaics, on each side of…

2. Roman Bathhouse

0.1 MILES

This unusually large bathhouse at the Al Mina ruins complex dates from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. You can clearly see the masses of brick columns that…

3. Rectangular Arena

0.1 MILES

The most curious building at the Al Mina site is this 4th-century rectangular arena that would have held up to 2000 spectators. Its exact use is unknown;…

4. Crusader Cathedral

0.17 MILES

The hefty bones of this sizeable cathedral are visible near the main Al Mina site. It was built in the 12th century and destroyed by the Mamluks who…

5. Aqueducts

0.67 MILES

Part of the Al Bass archaeological site, these aqueducts run parallel to the Roman road and once supplied the city with fresh water from the inland hills.

6. Hippodrome

0.72 MILES

Part of the Al Bass archaeological site, this well-preserved Roman hippodrome was built in the 2nd century AD and once held more than 20,000 spectators. A…

7. Monumental Archway

0.75 MILES

This impressive archway towers over the Roman road that runs beneath it. It marked the entrance to the city and probably dates from the time of Emperor…

8. Roman Road

0.82 MILES

A Roman road stretches for about 1.6km through an impressive 20m-high monumental archway that probably dates from the time of Emperor Hadrian (2nd century…

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