El-Alamein: World War II Memorial Sites

For travelers interested in the history of World War II, El-Alamein’s battles of 1942, memorial sites and military museum are central. Its historical themes range from the battles of that time and the remembrance of the fallen to the distinctive architecture of the German war cemetery. If you are looking for a hotel in El-Alamein, this overview can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

History and remembrance in El-Alamein

Al-Alamein was the site of two decisive battles in 1942 against the Axis powers led by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. The Al-Alamein Military Museum was established on December 16, 1965, to honor Egypt’s decisive role in the Battle of Al-Alamein. This is considered one of the most important battles of World War II.

For orientation: the military museum is located at kilometer marker 105 on the road from Alexandria to Matruh, south of the coastal road. The kilometer marker and the location south of the coastal road identify the museum’s location.

At the Italian War Memorial and the German War Memorial, visitors can pay their respects to the fallen soldiers. Alongside the historical recognition the military museum aims to provide, these sites offer specific places for remembrance. The memorials and the museum highlight different aspects of the history associated with El-Alamein.

The German Military Cemetery

The German Military Cemetery in El Alamein is octagonal in shape and resembles a castle, known as a “Totenburg” (fortress of the dead). Its exterior diameter, including the towers, is 42 meters, and its total height is 12 meters. A total of 4,313 people are buried there: 4,283 German casualties of World War II and 30 casualties of World War I. The cemetery’s architecture and burials offer two distinct aspects: its striking shape and the remembrance of the dead from both world wars.

Matruh: another regional perspective

The wider travel destination of Matruh also offers other cultural themes. The village of Shali in Siwa was built from salt-laden mud using a unique construction method and dates back to the sixth century of the Hijra, or the twelfth century AD. The exhibitions at the Marsa Matrouh Museum cover fishing, trade, astronomy, science and philosophy. These themes offer a different focus from El-Alamein’s history of war and remembrance.

The sandy coastline of the Matruh Governorate also offers its own landscape: it stretches for about 450 kilometers and is lined with bays. Agiba Beach is a bay between two white cliffs, with crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and caves.

Choose your stay based on your interests

This will help you define your preferred destination more clearly. You can then look for hotels in El-Alamein for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Zawyet El-Auwwama, Al Qasabah ash Sharqiyah, Fuka, Zawyet Sidi Musa, Zawyet Eilet Nuh, Siwa Oasis, Marsa Matrouh, Sidi Abd El-Rahman.

For the wider travel overview: Matruh.