Alexandria is the major seaport and the second-largest city in Egypt after Cairo. Alexandria is the Largest city on the Mediterranean Sea. It founded in 331 BCE by Alexander the Great. Alexandria is around 3 hours drive from Cairo (225 KM). It is extremely crowded during the summer where most of the Egyptian travel there to spend the hot summer day for their good weather during this season. The most famous area which is very busy during the summer is the 20 KM costal line which call “El Konrniesh”
Alexandria is a city located in the north-central region of Egypt along the Mediterranean Sea. It is the second-largest city in Egypt after Cairo and serves as a major economic hub for the country.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria has a rich history and is known for its ancient landmarks and cultural heritage. The city was a center of learning in the ancient world, with the famous Library of Alexandria attracting scholars and intellectuals from all over the Mediterranean region.
Today, Alexandria is a modern city with a vibrant culture and a diverse population. Its landmarks include the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and cultural center built to honor the city’s ancient heritage, the Citadel of Qaitbay, a fortress built in the 15th century, and Pompey’s Pillar, a Roman triumphal column dating back to the 3rd century AD.
The city is also known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of seafood dishes and traditional Egyptian cuisine available in local restaurants and markets. Its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and lively nightlife make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
The great site in Alexandria
The great lighthouse is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world
The Library of Alexandria which begun under Ptolemy the First in 305 BCE and completed by Ptolemy the second in 285BCE and included more than half million books at this time.
Roman Alexandria
Alexandria become under the Roman Empire at 31 BCE after Cleopatra and Mark Anthony both Committed suicide after they defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium and took title Augustus
Roman Amphitheater,
was constructed in the 4th century AD. The Amphitheater were special roofed theatres that were built to host music ceremonies and poet competition during the reign of the Romans in Egypt.
Katacombs of Kom El Shoqafa,
It was founded around 832 B.C. The tombs combine ancient Egyptian with Greek and Roman motifs that makes them quite different
These ancient tombs date back to the 2nd century AD and feature a unique blend of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian architectural styles. The catacombs are a popular tourist attraction and showcase some of the city’s fascinating ancient history.
Pompey’s Pillar/ Sarapeum (Serapeion),
Pompey’s is a Roman triumphal column the largest of its type constructed outside the imperial capitals of Rome and Constantinople, located at the Serapeum of Alexandria.
A Roman triumphal column dating back to the 3rd century AD, this monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Alexandria. The pillar stands over 25 meters tall and is made of red granite.
Qaitbay Castle,
Sultan Qaitbey built this Castle during the 14th century to defend Alexandria from the advances of the Ottoman Empire. His efforts were in vain since the Ottomans took control of Egypt in 1512, but the fortress has remained, strategically located on a thin arm of land that extends out into Alexandria’s harbor from the corniche.
The fortress’ current form is not the original. It was heavily damaged during the British bombardment of Alexandria during a nationalist uprising against British hegemony in 1882 and rebuilt around the turn of the 20th century.
As with most things in Alexandria, the building itself is not what is most significant about this location.
This 15th-century fortress was built by the Mamluk sultan, Qaitbay, to defend Alexandria against the Ottoman Turks. Today, the citadel is a popular tourist attraction with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Montazah Park
El-Montazah was the resident for the ruling family of Egypt only. This is change since the 1952 Egyptian revolution. The Montazah garden and Palace become available for the public with small entrance fee to keep the maintenance of the place. There were two palaces on the grounds. The first one, Al Salamlik, was built in 1892 as lodge for the King and his friends. The palace was renovated during the 1970’s to serve as an official presidential residence during the summer months. Now, it is open as luxury hotel.
King Fuad, the last successor of the Muhammed Ali Dynasty before the 1952 revolution, built the larger Al Haramlik Palace in 1932 with a unique architectural style that combines both Turkish and Florentine influences. Today Al Haramlik houses a public museum to history and art of the Muhammed Ali Dynasty.
There are several other great sites in Alexandria, Egypt, reflecting the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Bibliotheca Alexandrina:
The modern Library of Alexandria, built in 2002, is a magnificent structure that houses millions of books and serves as a cultural center for the city. The library also contains several museums, art galleries, and a planetarium.
Alexandria National Museum:
This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the city’s rich cultural history. It features a vast collection of artifacts, including sculptures, jewelry, and ancient coins.
Overall, Alexandria is a city filled with fascinating historical and cultural landmarks that offer visitors a glimpse into Egypt’s rich heritage.
History
Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was once the cultural capital of the ancient world. It was home to the famous Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest and most important libraries in the ancient world. The library was destroyed in a fire in the 3rd century AD, but its legacy lives on through the many historical sites and museums in the city.
Culture
Alexandria has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures. The city is home to many museums and art galleries that showcase its history and artistic achievements. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and cultural center, is a testament to the city’s intellectual legacy.
Food
Alexandria is known for its delicious seafood, which is often cooked in traditional Egyptian style with spices and herbs. One of the most famous dishes is “fattah,” a dish made with rice, bread, and lamb or beef. The city is also known for its street food, such as “ful medames,” a dish made with fava beans and spices, which is a popular breakfast food in Egypt.
Attractions
There are many attractions in Alexandria that make it a popular tourist destination. The most famous of these is the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress that was built by the Mamluk Sultanate to protect the city from invading forces. The Alexandria National Museum is another must-visit attraction, where you can learn about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The Alexandria Corniche is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with its picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Montazah Palace and Gardens, once the summer residence of the royal family, is also a popular attraction, with its beautiful gardens and stunning architecture.
Conclusion
Alexandria is a city that is steeped in history and culture, with a charm that is uniquely its own. From its ancient history to its modern-day attractions, there is something for everyone in this fascinating city. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just looking for a relaxing vacation by the sea, Alexandria is a destination that should not be missed.
Some helpful website about Alexandria
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria
https://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/alexandria.html
https://www.ancient.eu/alexandria/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria
https://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/alexandria.html
Corniche Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt
The Corniche in Alexandria is about 10 miles long, the Corniche is a waterfront promenade. It runs through the entire city of Alexandrea along the Eastern Harbor. It is one of the major roads for traffic in Alexandria.