Ismailia is one of Egypt’s cities situated at the Suez Canal’s banks. It has a rich history and is regarded as being of strategic importance. This city was developed in 1863 during the canal’s construction and offers tourists the view of colonial architecture, gardens and the waterfront. Known after Khedive Ismail Pasha, the city played a significant role in the formation of modern Egypt. Presently, Ismailia is a city connected to the Suez Canal that interests tourists and travellers. With its beautiful Lake Timsah, the town of Ismailia offers tourists a chance to explore the city’s culture and history as well as the natural scenery. Tune in as we explore the unknown and interesting facts about this frequently ignored Egyptian gem.
About Ismailia
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Ismailia is one of the most beautiful cities in Egypt. It is located in the northeastern part of the country and is well known for its stunning scenery and position on the Suez Canal. Situated in the Ismailia Governorate, the city has a population of about 1,430,000 as of 2024. Ismailia City is located between Port Said to the north and Suez to the south and is characterised by its green gardens, clean roads and European-style buildings.
The city has rapidly grown, especially in the last few decades, with the construction of the Gamal Abdel El Nasser tunnel and the Cairo-Ismailia highway. These developments and the construction of new hotels and resorts have made Ismailia a destination for day trips from Cairo and a stopover for tourists visiting Sinai. Ismailia is well-planned with neat and clean neighbourhoods and has many parks and gardens where you can enjoy natural beauty.
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History Of Ismailia
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Ismailia was founded in 1863 during the construction of the Suez Canal by Khedive Ismail, who named the city after himself. After the Battle of Kafr-el-Dawwar in 1882, the British established a base there. The Suez Canal Authority’s main office is located in Ismailia, near Lake Timsah, and the city has many old buildings from the British and French involvement with the Canal, now used by Canal employees and officials.
During World War I, the British had an air base in Ismailia, and the Battle of Romani took place nearby. The Ismailia War Cemetery, designed in 1919 by Sir Robert Lorimer, marks the casualties of the battle. In 1973, the Battle of Ismailia took place in the city. In October 2023, a massive fire broke out in the city’s security directorate, burning the building entirely and injuring 38 people, with one person dying.
The Muslim Brotherhood was established in Ismailia by Hassan al-Banna in 1928 during March. In the 1940s, they created a clandestine army to fight against the British occupation of Egypt. In the early 1950s, Ismailia accommodated the British Military Headquarters and the Civil Administration Centre of the Canal Zone. On January 25, 1952, the British Army raided an Egyptian government building and army barracks, which resulted in the removal of King Farouk I and the Egyptian Revolution. The British forces left Ismailia in the year 1954.
Top 5 Places To Visit In Ismailia
Ismailia is famous for its gardens, water and historical aspects. Here are the top five places to visit:
1. Ismailia Museum
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The Ismailia Museum, established in 1932, is one of the oldest museums in Egypt. It contains about 4,000 items from the Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman eras, such as a beautiful Roman floor mosaic from the 3rd century BC, statues, scarabs, and stelae.
The museum has an Egyptian-like structure, and the garden is a sculpture garden. It is situated on Salah Salem Street, and one can easily get a taxi to the place. It will be of interest to history lovers and those who are keen to learn about the construction of the Suez Canal. One should not miss the restaurants and cafes near the site when visiting the area.
Location: Mohamed Aly St EL AFRANG DISTRICT، الاسماعيلية – القنطرة غرب, Egypt
Distance From Ismailia: 1.5 Km
Travel Time From Ismailia: 4 minutes 40 EGP
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
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2. Lake Timsah
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Crocodile Lake, or Lake Timsah, is a beautiful natural site near the Suez Canal in Egypt. This shallow lake, which occupies an area of more than 5. 4 square miles, is an important component of the country’s maritime industry. The lake’s name is Timsah, an Arabic word meaning crocodile, which indicates that these reptiles used to inhabit the area.
Currently, Lake Timsah is a famous tourist attraction. Tourists can take a boat ride, fish in the lake, or just sunbathe on the beach. The area is also blessed with historical attractions such as the Tell el-Kebir city, which provides a glimpse of Egypt’s historical background.
Location: Ismailia Governorate, Egypt
Distance From Ismailia: 5.7 Km
Travel Time From Ismailia: 13 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to April
3. Suez Canal
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
The Suez Canal is a man-made water channel situated in Egypt. It connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Stretching 193 km (or 120 miles), it ranks among the largest shipping channels in the world and serves as a natural border between Africa and Asia as well as a connector between Europe and the Indian and western Pacific oceans.
The tourist can visit the Suez Canal Authority Museum in Ismailia, take a tour of the Canal, or even visit the Suez Canal Bridge and the Suez Canal Lighthouse, which mark the canal’s history. In addition, you can take a boat ride on the canal or go to Ismailia, Port Said, and Suez. Currently, there are no entrance fees into the Canal, but there may be charges for a boat ride or visit to a museum.
Location: Egypt
Distance From Ismailia: 11.2 Km
Travel Time From Ismailia: 18 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to April
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4. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a unique geothermal spa that offers unique services to clients. This lake is famous for its milky-blue water, which is caused by minerals, particularly silica. The water temperature varies from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius and is very therapeutic for the guests, considering Iceland’s climate.
One of Iceland’s most visited sites, the Blue Lagoon provides additional facilities and services for tourists. There are water massages and silica mud masks, a restaurant, and a relaxation zone for every guest. Because of its location near Keflavík International Airport, the lagoon is perfect for tourists coming or leaving Iceland.
Location: 22 Kamal El Din Hussein, Sheraton Al Matar, El Nozha, Cairo Governorate 4471101, Egypt
Distance From Ismailia: 11.7 Km
Travel Time From Ismailia: 29 minutes
Entry Fees: 310 EGP
Best Time to Visit: November to February
5. Mosque El Abbasi
Image Credit: Roland Unger for Wikimedia Commons
The Abbasi Great Mosque, also known as the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, is one of the most beautiful examples of Persian and Islamic architecture in Isfahan, Iran. Alamut mosque was built in the 17th century during the Safavid dynasty and is famous for its beautiful tile work, large minarets, and central dome.
People can walk through the central hall, read the beautiful inscriptions, and appreciate the Islamic collection of artworks. There are many attractions for visitors, including the central courtyard, the calligraphy, and the art gallery; the mosque is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Isfahan. It is a must-visit place for anyone interested in Islamic history and architecture.
Location: H244+8JC, Khalf Al Saha Al Shaabeya, Qism Shebeen El-Kom, Shibin el Kom, Menofia Governorate 6131243, Egypt
Distance From Ismailia: 1.9 Km
Travel Time From Ismailia: 8 minutes
Entry Fees: 586.27 EGP
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
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How To Reach?
When getting to Ismailia, one can move around by using the following means. Below is a detailed guide on how to reach Ismailia using these various modes of transport:
By Air
There are several ways to get to Ismailia, Egypt. The nearest international airport is Cairo International Airport, which is about 25 kilometres away from the city centre. One can hire a taxi or a private car from Cairo, which will take about 1. 5 to 2 hours through Cairo Ismailia desert road. The other option is to take a bus from Cairo, which will take about 2 hours to get to the destination.
By Road
Another convenient means of transport is by road, that is, by car, bus, train, etc. Depending on your convenience, you can hire a private car or taxi from Cairo or any other big city in Egypt. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive from Cairo to Ismailia. This takes between 5 to 2 hours on the Cairo-Ismailia desert road, where the traveller can view the desert scenery before getting to the green land of Ismailia. Many bus companies provide services from Cairo and other large cities to Ismailia, with frequent buses from bus terminals such as Turgoman and Almaza.
By Rail
Egypt has a railway connecting Cairo with Ismailia, one of the best travel methods since it is more relaxed. Travellers can take a train from Ramses Station in Cairo, which will take two to three hours to get to Ismailia. Taking a train is an excellent way to see the Egyptian countryside; if one has the time, it would be a good idea to take the train.
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The natural beauty of Ismailia is evident in the green parks and clean water bodies such as the lakes, the markets, and the cultural sites, which are also very vibrant. There is something for every traveller, whether it is the architectural marvels that attract you, the water sports that entice you or the sumptuous local cuisine you crave. If you are to leave Ismailia, the beauty of this enchanting oasis will stay with you, and you should start anticipating your next trip to Egypt. Do not wait to plan your trip to Egypt any longer and find out what you stand to enjoy in this fantastic country.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ismailia
What is the meaning of Ismailia?
Ismailia is a city in northeastern Egypt named after Khedive Ismail, who ruled Egypt during the construction of the Suez Canal in the 19th century. The name reflects the city’s historical connection to Khedive Ismail and his vision for modernising Egypt.
What is Ismailia famous for?
Ismailia is renowned for its strategic location on the west bank of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important waterways. The city is also famous for its lush orchards, gardens, and the picturesque Lake Timsah. Additionally, Ismailia has historical significance due to its role in the construction of the Suez Canal, a monumental engineering project that transformed global trade routes.
Who founded Ismailia?
Ismailia was founded in 1863 by Khedive Ismail during the construction of the Suez Canal. The city was named in his honour and served as a base for the engineers and workers involved in the canal’s construction. Khedive Ismail’s vision was to create a modern city that showcased Egypt’s progress and development.
What is the significance of the Suez Canal in Ismailia?
The Suez Canal is a significant waterway in Ismailia, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It plays a crucial role in global trade and offers scenic views for visitors.
Are there any cultural or historical sites in Ismailia that you can explore?
Yes, the Ismailia Museum showcases Pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic artefacts. Additionally, the city’s colonial architecture reflects its rich history from the time of the construction of the Suez Canal construction of the Suez Canal.
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With a passion for travelling, and carving beautiful stories of stunning locations I chose my profession as a content writer. The unique blend of creativity and strategy ensures that each narrative takes readers on a journey to their desired destination. With distinct locations and unique vibes, I strive to deliver captivating content that speaks to the hearts of readers.
