As Suways governorate is situated around the north end of Gulf of Suez with its biggest city being on the point where Suez Canal empties into Gulf of Suez. The name of the city non-surprisingly is Suez (el-Suweis), which has been a commercial port since the 7th century. The spice trade and pilgrimages to Mecca made it prosperous throughout the Middle Ages. It became a naval base in the 15th century and, in 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal ensured its development as a modern city. Today, Suez is one of Egypt's largest ports. It is situated near the scenic Ataga Hills and affords an excellent view of Sinai and the Red Sea. It is also interesting to watch ships passing through the Canal from Suez's vantage point. Some attention deserves a little village of Zafarana, which at the moment is just a rest point for those going to the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul. Nevertheless the nearest future developments aim at making the area into Red Sea Resorts.