Highlights in Alexandria
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, It has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is actually only 225 km. from Cairo. Alexandria lies northwest of the Nile Delta and adjoins Lake Mariut. It is linked to Cairo by the Delta Road (231 km.) and the Desert Road (225 km.). It is one of the most notable summer resorts in the Middle East, known for its temperate winters and beaches, with soft sands and magnificent scenery that stretch for 40 km. along the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of the Graeco-Roman Egypt. The city, immortalizing Alexander's name, flourished, beyond all expectations, into a prominent cultural, intellectual and economic metropolis, the remains of which are still evident to this day. There is so much to see in this city. Listed below is a brief overview of some of the sites that you can visit.
The Alexandria (Bibliotheca) Library: The ancient library was reconstructed and built into the new library and today is one of the greatest scientific and cultural centers specialized in civilization, literature, sciences, and arts.
Qaitbay Citadel: Built on the northern tip of the eastern port on the site where the ancient pharaohs' lighthouse used to be. It was built in the 15th century and consists of three stories similar to medieval fortresses in Egypt.
The
Graeco-Roman Museum: A museum that houses many collections of
rare Roman relics and coins- about 40 thousand pieces, from the 3rd century
B.C. to the 7th century A.D. The most important being the "Tanafra" statues.
Pompey's Pillar: This is a granite pillar, over 25 meters high,
and built amidst the ruins of the Serapium in 297 A.D., in honor of Emperor
Diocletian.
The Roman Amphitheatre: A small amphitheatre recently discovered in the area of Kom al Dekka near the Roman museum. It consists of 12 rows of semi-circular marble seats and is considered the only relic of its kind in Egypt.
The
Catacombs of Kom al-Shqafa: This is the largest Roman
cemetery. It is of three levels and cut in the rock to a depth of 100 feet.
Dating to the beginning of the 2nd century A.D., it is a blend of Pharaonic
and Roman art.
The Tombs of Al-Anfushi: These Limestone tombs, dating from about 250B.C. are decorated with pictures of Egyptian gods and daily life.
The
Museum Of Fine Arts: This museum houses collections of
sculptures, paintings and architectural works. Exhibitions by contemporary
foreign and Egyptian artists are often held here.
The
Antoniadis Gardens: This garden contains beautifully arranged
trees and flowers, as well as several Greco-Roman statues in marble as well
as the Antoniadis Palace.
The
Shallalat Gardens: A central garden in the eastern part of the
city center, it has its own special character and is distinguished by its
high and low levels and waterways.
The Montazah Palace Gardens: Acres of formal gardens and a beautiful beach make Montazah the most leisurely grounds in the city. Montazah Palace, a grand structure built in a mixture of Turkish and Florentine styles, is now a great statehouse and used to be the home of the former King Farouk and his royal family.
The Museum of Alexandria: This museum houses artifacts represented in statues and marble pillars that date back from the Greco-Roman era, in addition to a collection of Christian artifacts.
The Jewelry Museum of the Royal Family : This place is considered a glamorous architectural masterpiece. In its halls are many paintings, decorations, and rare statues. It contains a collection of the rare jewels of the Mohamed Ali dynasty.
Al Mursi Abul Abass Mosque: Situated in the Anfushi suburb, it is considered one of the most important landmarks of Alexandria with its towering minaret and four domes.
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The Western zone of Alexandria is characterized by its amazing turquoise beaches extending along the north coast with their soft sand and clear waters. All along the coast there are numerous tourist resorts, hotels, villas, chalets and services on the road.
*Solar Eclipse
There will be a solar eclipse in March 2006 that can be witnessed from the North Coast of Alexandria (see details here)
Main Beaches of the North Coast:
Sidi Kreir Beach: A private beach 34km west of Alexandria. This summer resort extends for 2 km on the coast. A typical tourist resort and casino have been set up recently.
Al Alamein Beach: This beach lies 104 km west of Alexandria on the paved road parallel to the Mediterranean coast leading to Marsa Matrouh. Al Alamein is known for its serenity, its fascinating scenery and its mild climate. Alamein is historically recognized as its sands witnessed the most decisive battle that raged during World War II in which more than 80,000 soldiers of the allied troops led by Montgomery and the axis troops led by Rommel lost their lives. The war cemeteries can be visited there (see pictures below).
Near By Attractions & Excursions:
Alamein WWII
Museum (above pictures)
WWII cemeteries, German, British and Italian
Alexandria city sightseeing
Cairo city sightseeing
Siwa Oasis
Diving Trips
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