Alexandria

 Alexandria: A City of Ancient Wonders and Modern Charm

Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt, and one of the most historic and cultural destinations in the world. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria was once the center of learning and civilization in the ancient world, home to the legendary Library of Alexandria and the Pharos Lighthouse. 

Today, Alexandria is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, where you can explore the rich heritage of the past and enjoy the modern amenities of the present. Here are some of the best places to visit in Alexandria.

Alexandria National Museum 

The Alexandria National Museum is the perfect place to start your journey in Alexandria, as it showcases the history and culture of the city from ancient to modern times. The museum is housed in a former Italian palace, and it contains over 1,800 artifacts, including statues, mummies, coins, jewelry, and pottery. 

The museum is divided into three floors: the basement displays the Pharaonic era, the ground floor displays the Greco-Roman era, and the first floor displays the Coptic and Islamic eras. You can also see some of the underwater discoveries from the sunken city of Heracleion and the eastern harbor of Alexandria.

Fort Qaitbey

Fort Qaitbey is one of the most iconic landmarks of Alexandria, and a symbol of its maritime glory. It is a 15th-century fortress that was built by Sultan Qaitbey on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. 

The fortress is a masterpiece of military architecture, with a massive gate, a circular tower, and a mosque. You can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the city. 

You can also visit the small naval museum inside the fortress, which displays some models of ancient ships and weapons.

Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa

The Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa are the largest and most impressive Roman burial site in Egypt, and one of the seven wonders of the medieval world. They were discovered in 1900, when a donkey fell into a shaft that led to the underground complex. 

The catacombs consist of three levels of tombs, chambers, and halls, decorated with a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art and motifs. You can see sarcophagi, statues, reliefs, paintings, and mosaics, as well as the remains of human and animal bones. 

The most remarkable feature of the catacombs is the circular staircase that connects the levels, and the triclinium, a banquet hall where the relatives of the deceased used to have funerary meals.

Pompey’s Pillar

Pompey’s Pillar is the tallest ancient monument in Alexandria, and one of the most famous landmarks of the city. It is a 27-meter-high granite column that stands on a hill in the middle of the ruins of the Serapeum, a temple dedicated to the god Serapis. 

The column was erected in 297 AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, in honor of his victory over a revolt in Alexandria. Contrary to its name, the column has nothing to do with Pompey, the Roman general who was killed in Alexandria in 48 BC.

 The name was given by the Crusaders, who mistakenly believed that Pompey’s ashes were buried in a pot at the top of the column.

You can visit the column and the surrounding ruins, which include some sphinxes, statues, and inscriptions. You can also see the remains of the subterranean galleries of the Serapeum, where thousands of sacred bulls were mummified and buried.

Montazah Gardens

Montazah Gardens are the former royal gardens of the Mohamed Ali dynasty, and one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in Alexandria. The gardens cover an area of 150 hectares, and they are filled with palm trees, flowers, and fountains.

 You can also see the two palaces of the royal family: the Salamlek Palace, which is now a luxury hotel, and the Haramlek Palace, which is now a museum. The gardens offer a stunning view of the sea and the beach, and you can enjoy a walk, a picnic, or a boat ride.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina:

 The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern version of the ancient Library of Alexandria, and one of the most impressive and important landmarks in the city. It is a huge and stunning building, shaped like a giant sun disk, that houses more than eight million books, as well as several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.

 You can visit the Antiquities Museum, which displays artifacts from the ancient and medieval periods, the Manuscript Museum, which showcases rare and valuable manuscripts and scrolls, the Science Museum, which explores the scientific achievements of the ancient Egyptians, and the Planetarium, which offers a spectacular view of the stars and planets.

Conclusion

Alexandria is the pearl of the Mediterranean, that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a place where you can explore the history and culture of Alexandria, enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Mediterranean Sea, and taste the delicious and authentic cuisine of Alexandria.