Alexandria, Egypt Travel Guide
Alexandria, Egypt is the ideal place for you, regardless of whether you’re on a tight budget, seeking a luxurious holiday, or perhaps looking for the ideal location for your family vacation.
You may use the information in this book to make Alexandria your next destination when travelling around the Middle East.
About Alexandria, Egypt
hours via aircraft from Europe or a 3-hour drive from the metropolis of Cairo.
Alexandria is a year-round vacation spot. If you adore the winter, you will have lots of bright mornings, chilly evenings, and rainy days.
You should be aware that while summertime in Alexandria offers ideal weather, we personally prefer it when there are fewer people around.
Therefore, both fall and spring are the best times to travel since you can escape the summer tourist hordes while still enjoying the right balance of a warm summer and a frigid winter.
So what makes Alexandria unique?
History of Alexandria
Around 331 BC, Alexander the Great established Alexandria. The Mediterranean Pearl is another name for it. After Alexander’s death, a Ptolemy gained control of the region and started construction on a lighthouse that would later serve as both the kingdom’s symbol and a navigating aid for ships in inland seas. The lighthouse, which stood roughly 27 metres tall and was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1375.
Alexandria too had a magnificent library, but it was tragically destroyed by fire in the year 48 BC. Even today, it is unknown what may have led to the collapse of the old city, despite the discovery of numerous artefacts at the ocean’s bottom. A city with a mysterious past, majestic structures, and a fusion of western and eastern elements that signify its extensive history.
Things to do in Alexandria
As part of your schedule when visiting Egypt, be sure to include the new Library of Alexandria, the Montaza Royal Palace, and the Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria. Look into:
Library of Alexandria
The library was one of the biggest and most significant in the ancient world for many years. Its shelves reportedly included some 700,000 volumes, including writings by famous ancient authors and intellectuals, including Plato, Homer, and Socrates. However, the fire utterly destroyed the library and its entire collection, and it is still unclear how it started.
Built on the location of the previous library, the new one opened in October 2002 and included over 100,000 volumes (capacity for up to 8 million). It has access to the Internet Archive, a sizable digital library, four museums, two permanent collections, and seven specialised libraries.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
A distinctive tourist destination in Alexandria are the catacombs. They have archaeological significance and blend Greco-Roman and Egyptian architectural styles. For the sake of ancient Egyptian religion, they stand in for the last significant structure still standing. A spiral staircase connects the ossuary’s three floors, which are one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Small chapels that open on the rocks may be seen here, along with resting seats and sarcophagus niches.
When you visit the location, you’ll find one of the most enigmatic rooms there: the Hall of Caracalla, which served as a burial chamber for people and animals who had been killed on an emperor’s command.
Citadel of Qaitbay
At first look, the stronghold, which has become Alexandria’s most famous landmark, may be mistaken for a castle, but the Islamic structure safeguarded the city from the encroaching Ottoman Empire in the 15th century and years later.
Did you know that area was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? The Lighthouse of Alexandria was really where the fortress was erected. When the city was struck by an earthquake in 1375, the historic monument was destroyed.
Today, the citadel is home to a fascinating naval museum. Additionally, it is constantly crowded with residents and visitors taking advantage of the pier’s restaurants, shops, and sea vistas.
Montaza Palace
There are beaches, gardens, and a palace in the Montaza complex. The palace, which served as the royal family’s summer home during King Khedive Abbas Hilmy (1892–1914), is now a museum that chronicles the history of the dynasty.
You may explore the palace’s gardens and beaches, which are perfect for family outings. A fantastic choice is to take a boat excursion for a unique perspective of the gardens.
There are several dining establishments and picnic areas close by, as well as Salamlek, a second royal house that has been transformed into a five-star hotel.
Pompey’s Column
The column is situated in the city’s archaeological site, close to the remains of the Serapeus temple, a Greek temple. One of the grandest temples in the area, the Serapeum is now only a collection of ruins due to looting. According to sources, either Christians or Roman soldiers destroyed it.
The structure, which is over 27 metres tall, was built in celebration of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the year 297 BC. According to legend, of the 400 columns that formerly stood in a portico of the Library of Alexandria, just this one remains. Two sculptures of sphinxes may be seen close to the column’s base. If you’re looking for the best Egypt tour packages and deals, then Contact Holiday Planner EG. We specialize in helping travelers plan unforgettable trips to the Middle Eastern country. Our team of experts is passionate about Egypt and can offer you advice on the best places to visit, what to avoid, and what activities are perfect for your interests. We also have access to a wide range of travel packages, so you can choose the one that’s right for you. Contact us today to get started!
