Gaza

Gaza' s position on the crossroads between Asia and Africa has ensured it a history as troubled as it is long. Since the Canaanite period, it has been fought over, invaded and occupied by nearly all the powers that have marched across the Middle East. Aside from all of this, Gaza has one of the most beautiful beaches and extremely friendly locals.

Great Mosque
The mosque is built presumably on the spot of a Roman temple which was converted into an Orthodox Church during the Byzantine period. The present mosque was converted from a Norman church built during the Crusader period. The mosque has been subject to a series of restorations.

Qassr AI Basha (Napoleon's Citadel)
Located in AI Daraj quarter in the old city of Gaza, Qassr AI Basha is a two storey building that dates back to the Mamluk period. It was the headquarter of the Deputy of Gaza during the Mamluk and the Ottoman periods and was used as a police station during the British mandate. Napoleon spent three nights there during his campaign against Egypt and Syria in 1799. This is why it is sometimes called "Napoleon's Citadel". The Fort is characterized by the accuracy , strength and beauty of it's facades which are decorated with different patter~s such as the emblem of AI Thaher Babers (a sculpture of two facing lions) in addition to geometrical patterns and unique archaeological elements such as domes, fan and cross vaults.

Khan Younis
Khan Younis is considered to be the second city of the strip, 25 km south of Gaza and about 4 km from the sea. It is a market town for the agricultural produce of the surrounding villages and colourful Bedouin markets take place every Wednesday. It is worth spending a couple of hours strolling about or just sitting and watching the market.

The Greek Orthodox Church
The Church is located in AI Zaytoon quarter in the old city of Gaza. The original construction of the church is from the beginning of the 5th century , while the existing structures date back to the 12th century .The church is rectangular shape ending with a half-domed roofed temple. The roof of the church has two crossing vaults with a pointed arch between them. There are three entrances for the church: the western one has a portico with three marble columns supporting two pointed arches. The church is characterized by its colossal walls supported by horizontal marble and granite columns and pilasters. The tomb of Saint Porphyrius, who died in 420, is in the north eastern corner. The church was renovated in 1856.

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