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Villa of the Birds: Alexandria's Avian Mosaic

Explore the exquisite mosaics of the Villa of the Birds in Alexandria, a remarkably preserved glimpse into Roman-era artistry and culture.

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The Villa of the Birds, unearthed in 1998, is a Roman-era villa in Alexandria famed for its intricate mosaic pavements depicting various bird species. Located within the Kom el-Dikka archaeological park, it offers a glimpse into the luxurious life of Roman Egypt.

A brief summary to Villa of the birds

  • 54 شارع صفية زغلول،, Al Attarin, Al Mesallah Sharq, Alexandria Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and have the best light for viewing the mosaics.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the archaeological site has uneven surfaces.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the history and significance of the villa.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Al Attarin area, the Villa of the Birds is accessible by foot. Look for local signage directing you to شارع صفية زغلول (Safiya Zaghloul Street). The walk should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Be aware of your surroundings and enjoy the local architecture along the way.

  • Public Transport

    Alexandria has an extensive public transportation network including buses and trams. Use local transport to reach the Al Attarin area. From there, follow walking directions to شارع صفية زغلول. A single tram or bus fare costs approximately 1-2 EGP.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available in Alexandria. Request a ride to 54 شارع صفية زغلول (Safiya Zaghloul Street) in the Al Attarin area. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between 20-35 EGP, but confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Villa of the birds

The Villa of the Birds, situated within Alexandria's Kom el-Dikka archaeological site, is a captivating window into Roman life in Egypt. Discovered in 1998 by a Polish-Egyptian mission, the villa dates back to the time of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD). Its name derives from the remarkably detailed mosaic pavements that once adorned its floors, showcasing various recognizable bird species. The villa's mosaics, created with tiny cubes of marble, glass paste, and stone, depict birds like pigeons, peacocks, parrots, quails, and water hens. One mosaic also features a panther with the horns of a defeated prey. The artistic depiction of birds is a unique feature, making these mosaics some of the few figural examples from Alexandria's Roman period to survive. The mosaics' colors are made up of white, yellow, gray, black marble, and limestone hues, with multicolored glass paste and delicate glass beads accentuating the birds' eyes. Located approximately 10 meters below present-day street level, the villa complex includes gymnasia, baths, an Odeon theatre, and residential areas. Although a fire damaged the mosaics in the late 300s AD, about 110 square meters of the mosaic floors have been preserved. The villa likely belonged to the elite of ancient Alexandria. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the villa and the Kom el-Dikka site, gaining insight into the daily life and artistic achievements of Roman-Egyptian culture.

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