The city of Rosetta is situated on the western bank of the branch of the Nile called "Rashid" and is located 65km northeast of Alexandria.

It is thought that a Temple of Amun was built here during the New Kingdom Period. In the Greco-Roman Period, the city was called Balbotine and the Nile branch then was known as "the Balbotine Branch."

During the Islamic period, the city was still known as Rosetta, but it was less important than Alexandria. The Sultan Qaitbay built a fortress there, surrounded by ramparts for defensive purposes and the Sultan Al Ghouri later built a wall around the whole city.

After the Ottoman conquest in the 16th century, and after the decline of Alexandria, Rosetta became the principal port of the northern coast until the 19th century. It retained its importance serving the trade between Egypt, Turkey, and other countries. Many wikalahs (warehouses with lodging rooms attached) and merchant houses were constructed.

Rosetta is one of the best places in the world to see prime examples of early Islamic architecture. The great number of Islamic monuments found here is better than every other Egyptian location apart from Cairo. Unfortunately, most of these unique monuments are neglected and modern buildings surround them, causing a crowded situation. The unplanned urbanization also affects them badly, causing much damage and neglect. It is necessary for a great national effort to be made to save them, in order to revive the historical character of the city.