Suez Canal, Egypt

The most famous and recognizable one on the planet is the Suez Canal that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The unique geographical location between Africa and Eurasia gives the canal the priority of being an important transport junction and one of the outstanding global sights. The canal is 163 km long and 60 metres wide, its depth is approximately 20 metres.

The passing vessels spend at least 14 hours to bridge the distance. About 50 units of water transport transit the waterway. The Suez Canal was opened for navigation in 1869. It has no shipping locks. The Canal is an important link between two major harbour cities of Suez and Said, which are also trading and travel centres of great importance. The idea of ​​establishing a grand canal dates back to the oldest times, to the reign of Senausret III, Pharaoh of Egypt. The main reason for building was to ensure free movement of ships between the trading centres.

Ancient canals discovered by archaeologists that connect the Nile River with the Red Sea were built more than 3500 years ago, so it is not surprising that in the 19th century BC it was in Egypt that one of the greatest canals on the planet was built. Completion of the unique waterway took 10 years of 60 000 Egyptian workers labour. The most sublime creation ever has seen a great deal in its time from destructive wars to natural disasters. The Suez Canal keeps on captivating contemporaries with its size and perfect operational characteristics to this very day. Next - Caledonian Canal