De Lesseps Statue Base
Būr Sa‘īd
The De Lesseps Statue Base is located at the entrance to the Suez Canal in Port Said, Egypt, along Palestine Street. It honors Ferdinand de Lesseps, the French diplomat and developer who was instrumental in constructing the Suez Canal, one of the world's most important waterways connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The statue base stands where ships from around the globe pass, making it a notable landmark for visitors. The statue itself has been a subject of public debate in Port Said due to its historical symbolism linked to a complex period in Egyptian history. Despite its significance, the statue was removed and kept in storage for years, with ongoing discussions about its reinstatement at the original site. The base remains a symbolic marker of the engineering marvel that transformed global maritime trade. Nearby, the Suez Canal Authority building and the iconic lighthouse of Port Said further highlight the area's importance. The statue base serves as a reminder of the canal's opening in 1869 and the international cooperation and challenges involved in its creation.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to explore the area around the statue base during daylight hours to fully appreciate the views of passing ships and the historic surroundings. The best time to visit is during clear weather for optimal visibility of the canal traffic. While the statue itself is currently not installed on the base, the site remains accessible and free to visit. Tourists interested in the history of the Suez Canal should also consider visiting nearby museums such as the Port Said National Museum of Antiquities and the Military Museum for a broader context. There are no entrance fees for the statue base area, but purchasing tickets in advance is recommended for nearby museums to avoid queues.
Interesting facts
- •The statue honors Ferdinand de Lesseps, the French diplomat behind the Suez Canal's construction.
- •The Suez Canal officially opened on November 17, 1869, transforming global maritime trade.
- •The statue has been removed and stored for years due to political and social controversies.
- •Port Said is one of the few cities that spans two continents, Africa and Asia, divided by the Suez Canal.
- •The nearby lighthouse at Port Said, completed in 1869, is an engineering marvel standing 180 feet tall.
History
The De Lesseps Statue was originally erected to commemorate Ferdinand de Lesseps, who developed the Suez Canal, officially opened in 1869.
Over the years, the statue became a symbol of both pride and controversy in Port Said due to political and historical sentiments, especially during the Nasser era.
The statue was eventually removed and stored in the naval dockyard, sparking ongoing debate about its reinstatement.
Various local authorities have proposed plans to restore the statue to its base, often coinciding with anniversaries of the canal's opening.
The base itself remains at the canal's entrance, marking the historic site where the canal project began.
Place Guide
De Lesseps Statue Base1869
The original base where the statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps stood, marking the historic entrance to the Suez Canal. Though the statue is currently not installed, the base remains a significant landmark symbolizing the canal's inception.
Suez Canal Authority BuildingLate 19th century
Situated near the statue base, this historic building houses the administration of the Suez Canal and symbolizes the canal's operational importance since its opening.
Port Said Lighthouse1869
A towering 180-foot concrete lighthouse completed in 1869 at the northern terminus of the Suez Canal. It was constructed using 120,000 tons of hydraulic lime and 25,000 blocks, each weighing twenty-five tons, making it an engineering feat.
Contact
Phone: 011 43070472
