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Villa of the Birds: A Mosaic Masterpiece

Discover exquisite Roman mosaics at the Villa of the Birds in Alexandria, a window into ancient life and artistry.

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The Villa of the Birds is a Roman-era villa in Alexandria, Egypt, famous for its remarkably detailed mosaic pavements depicting various bird species. Unearthed in 1998, the villa dates back to the time of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) and offers a glimpse into the luxurious life of Roman Alexandria.

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 and photographing the mosaics.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces within the archaeological site.
  • Consider hiring a local guide at the Kom el-Dikka site for deeper insights into the history and significance of the villa and its mosaics.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already within the Kom el-Dikka archaeological park, follow the signs to the Villa of the Birds. The villa is located at 54 شارع صفية زغلول, Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin. The walk within the park is short, approximately 5-10 minutes, but the ground may be uneven.

  • Public Transport

    From Alexandria's central train station (Mahattat Al Ramleh), you can take a local taxi or a tram to the Kom el-Dikka area. Trams are a common mode of transport in Alexandria. Alight near the Roman Amphitheater, and then walk for about 10-15 minutes to the Villa of the Birds. Tram fares are very affordable, typically costing less than 5 EGP.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Alexandria. From most locations in the city center, a taxi ride to the Villa of the Birds (located at 54 شارع صفية زغلول, Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin) will typically cost between 20-40 EGP, depending on traffic and distance. Negotiate the fare beforehand, as taxis in Alexandria may not always use meters. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also available.

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Discover more about Villa of the birds

The Villa of the Birds, located within the Kom el-Dikka archaeological site in Alexandria, is a captivating testament to Roman artistry and daily life. Discovered in 1998 by a Polish-Egyptian archaeological mission, the villa is named for its stunning mosaic floors, which feature intricate depictions of various bird species. These mosaics are among the few figural mosaics from Alexandria's Roman period to survive to the present day. The villa dates back to the early Roman period, likely built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD). The mosaics showcase a remarkable level of detail, using tiny cubes of marble, glass paste, and stone to create lifelike images of birds such as pigeons, peacocks, parrots, quails, and water hens. One mosaic also features a stylized panther. Around 10 meters below current street level, the villa complex once included gymnasia, baths, an Odeon theatre, and residential areas. Although a fire damaged the mosaics in the late 300s AD, large sections have been repaired and restored. Today, visitors can explore the villa via an elevated walkway, which protects the delicate mosaics while providing an excellent viewing platform. Information panels are available to explain the significance of the mosaics and the history of the site.

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