The City of Alexandria
The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", 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.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt.
Tourist Attractions
Pompey's Pillar |
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Mistakenly named so in the Middle Ages, this granite pillar is over 25 meters high. Built amidst the ruins of the Serapium in 297 AD in honor of Emperor Diocletian, it is the most prominent remaining Greek landmark in Alexandria. |
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The Roman Amphitheatre
Located downtown at Kom al-Dikkah the Roman amphitheatre is considered unique in Egypt. Discovered only in the early 1960's while laying the foundation of a new building, the amphitheatre has twelve semi-circular marble tiers in remarkably good condition.
The Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa
This is the largest Roman cemetery in Alexandria. It is composed of three levels cut 30 meters deep into the existing rock. Date to the beginning of the Second Century AD, it is a blend of Pharaonic and Roman art.
Al-Shatby Necropolis
Constructed along the lines of the old Greek houses, the necropolis includes a doorway, corridor, and two chambers. It dates back to the 3rd Century BC, and lies north of Collge St. Marc.
The Tombs of Al-Anfushi
These five Petolemic tombs, from the early 3rd Century BC, were only discovered in AD 1901. They were cut into the existing rock and belong to Greek-Egyptians.
The Fort of Quaitbay |
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Erected on the northern tip of the Eastern Port on the site of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria, the fort design is influenced by both medieval architectures as well as by the lighthouse original layout. The fort also houses the Naval Museum. |
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The Mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas |
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Situated in Al-Anfushi, this Andalusian-style mosque is the largest in the city. It has four domes and a minaret, and was re-built in the twentieth century at the site of the old Abul Abbas shrine. |
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Al-Montazah Palace
Built on a low plateau east of Alexandria and overlooking a beautiful beach amid about 370 feddans of gardens and woods, the palace comprises a number of buildings, the most important being Al-Haramlek and Al-Salamlek, the summer residence of the former royal family.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Latin for "Library of Alexandria") is a major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is both a commemoration of the Library of Alexandria that was lost in antiquity and an attempt to rekindle something of the brilliance that this earlier center of study and erudition represented