Mons Porphyrites
جبل الدخان
The only source of imperial purple porphyry in the Roman Empire, in the Eastern Desert. The quarry, workers' camps, and ancient haul roads have been preserved.
Mons Porphyrites, known in Arabic as Gebel Dokhan, lies in the Eastern Desert mountains about 50 km west of Hurghada. It was the only source of imperial purple porphyry in Roman times. This reddish-purple stone was shipped to Rome and Constantinople for imperial statues and palace columns. The site preserves the quarry, workers' camps, the ruins of a temple, and the ramps used to haul stone down the mountain. You need a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a guide, and it is often combined with Mons Claudianus. There are no facilities at all, so bring plenty of water.
Opening hours
Daytime (guide required)
Nearby sights
- El Gouna
- Eastern Desert & Mons Claudianus
- El Dahar Old Town & Souk
- Hurghada Museum
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium
- Sindbad Submarine
- Hurghada Marina
- El Mina Mosque