The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has embarked on a digital restoration initiative to bring the ancient pilgrimage site of Abu Mena to life using augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). This project aims to recreate the fifth-century architecture and spiritual heritage of the site and the Saint Mina Monastery in Alexandria. The initiative was discussed during a meeting chaired by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy.
The project involves creating an interactive, immersive experience that takes visitors back to the fifth century AD, when Abu Mena was a major pilgrimage centre for Christianity. Developers are using historical documents, original manuscripts, and records from the Coptic and Greco-Roman Museums to create detailed 3D models of the city's ancient layout, daily life, clothing, and religious rituals. This digital experience will be accessible through a dedicated interactive webpage and at the Abu Mena Visitor Centre.
Minister Sherif Fathy emphasized the importance of building the interactive experience on a compelling storytelling framework that blends historical accuracy with visual appeal. He stressed that the project should convey the era's cultural and spiritual significance while adhering to the implementation timetable. The project brings together specialists from various fields, including representatives from DroneTech, responsible for spatial surveying and 3D modelling.
Abu Mena, located west of Alexandria, developed around the tomb of Saint Mina and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. However, rising groundwater levels threatened the site's structural integrity in 2001, prompting its inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Following an 11-year groundwater control project implemented by the Egyptian government, the site overcame the threat and was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2025.
The digital restoration initiative involves a collaboration between several entities, including the Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The project aims to promote the site's cultural and historical significance while providing an engaging experience for visitors. A delegation led by Essam Khodr from the IDSC met with ministry officials to review progress on the project.
The use of AI and AR technology in this project allows for a unique and immersive experience, enabling visitors to explore the site's rich history and cultural heritage in a more engaging and interactive way. The project's technological implementation is being carried out by a team of specialists, including artistic directors and digital preservation experts from the IDSC's Virtual Reality Unit.
The project's completion is expected to enhance the overall visitor experience at Abu Mena, providing a unique opportunity for tourists to explore the site's rich history and cultural significance. The initiative is part of Egypt's efforts to promote its cultural heritage and tourism industry, while also highlighting the importance of preserving historical sites for future generations.
Key points
- The project uses AI and AR to recreate the fifth-century architecture and spiritual heritage of Abu Mena.
