Rosetta (Rashid) Archaeological Area

The short answer

Rosetta Archaeological Area Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering Fort Julien and the Rosetta Stone find-spot area in Alexandria, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Archaeology & history
• Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations

Alexandria

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Site of Fort Julien where French soldiers found the Rosetta Stone in 1799; original now at the British Museum.
• 02 Located in Rosetta (Rashid), approximately 65 km west of Alexandria – about a 1.5-hour drive.
• 03 Archaeological area includes fort foundations, river-side Ottoman houses, and Nile Delta sedimentary layers visible on site.
• 04 Typical visit length 60–90 minutes to see the fort, waterfront, and the small onsite museum.
• 05 Ticket-only booking; we do not include transfers – combine with our Alexandria city tour or a private transfer.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 How do I get to Rosetta from Alexandria?

   A private car or private driver is the usual way to reach Rosetta (Rashid) from Alexandria. Rosetta sits at the mouth of the Rosetta branch of the Nile, east of central Alexandria. We arrange private transfers; public buses also run but are slower and less predictable. We do not run group bus tours to Rosetta – private transfers give time to visit Fort Julien and the historic town.
2. 02 Is the Rosetta Stone still in Rosetta?

   No – the Rosetta Stone was discovered at Fort Julien in 1799 and has been in the British Museum since 1802. You can still visit Fort Julien at Rashid where the stele was found, plus Ottoman-era houses and riverside quays. The archaeological area holds local finds and context, but the Rosetta Stone itself is in London. We can include Fort Julien and Rashid town on a private itinerary if you want on-site context.
3. 03 How long should I plan for a visit to the Rosetta archaeological area?

   Plan two to four hours for a focused visit covering Fort Julien and Rashid's historic streets. Allow more time if you want lunch, local markets, or visits to small museums. Unlike a brief Alexandria city stop, Rosetta benefits from unhurried walking and riverside time. Paths are uneven and shade is limited at midday, so factor in water and sun breaks.
4. 04 Are guided tours and Egyptologists available at Rosetta?

   We can provide a licensed local guide or an Egyptologist for Fort Julien and Rashid town visits. Our Egyptologists are based in Alexandria and can explain Ptolemaic inscriptions and Ottoman-era architecture. Please request an Egyptologist in advance – availability often needs 48–72 hours' notice. Guided interpretation is especially useful given multilingual inscriptions and recent local finds.
5. 05 What should I bring and wear for Rosetta Archaeological Area?

   Bring sun protection, bottled water, sturdy closed shoes, a hat, and small-change cash; dress modestly for town areas. Expect uneven cobbles, sand, and low-lying irrigation ditches when walking the quays and ruins. Mosques require covered shoulders and knees for both men and women, and wind from the Nile can be cool even in warm months. A small daypack with hand sanitizer and a light layer is practical.
6. 06 Are there entrance fees or opening hours I should know about?

   Archaeological sites in Rashid normally charge an entry fee; Fort Julien typically has posted opening times that can change. Standard site entrance fees are normally included in our arrangements unless stated otherwise. Opening hours vary seasonally and during national holidays or Ramadan, and some small local museums accept cash only. We confirm hours and fees before travel and can adjust your itinerary accordingly.