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 Greco-Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos and the setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. 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.
Today
Alexandria is considered the second capital of
Egypt. It is distinguished by its strategic location, moderate climate and its beautifully fine sands Beaches which cover a large area between Agamy in the west and Abu Qeir in the east, which made it worthy of its well merited title “ Pearl of the Mediterranean’ .
Listed below is a brief overview of some of the sites that you can visit.
Alexandria
National
Museum
The Museum was inaugurated on the 1st of September 2003.
Alexandria
National
Museum is located in a restored palace and contains about 1,800 artifacts that narrate the history of
Alexandria throughout the ages, including the Pharaonic, Roman , Coptic and Islamic eras. There are even some more modern pieces, including 19th century glassware, silverware, chinaware and precious jewels, which provide a sense of the richness of the court of Mohammed Ali and his descendants. Mummies are shown in a special underground chamber (basement). Also, some of the items found during the archaeological underwater excavations in
Alexandria are now on the same floor as the Greco-Roman artifacts.
Alexandria
National
Museum is the first of its kind in
Egypt. It is the only one which narrates the history of the people of
Alexandria through antiquity.
Al Montaza Palace
It was built east of
Alexandria on a high hill and overlooking the most beautiful
beach of
Alexandria, amid about 370 feddans of gardens and woods. The Palace comprises of a group of buildings of which the most important are being Al-Haramlek of which the first storey has been transformed into an international casino, the second and third stories into a museum for the belongings of the former royal family.
But Al-Salamlek building has been transformed into a luxurious hotel. Another hotel has also been built in the garden overlooking one of the most beautiful bays surrounded by green areas.
The Library of
Alexandria: “
Alexandria Bibliotheca”
The ancient library of
Alexandria was reconstructed by building the new library in Selsela area at Shatby to become one of the greatest cultural and scientific century specialized in the affairs, civilization, literature, sciences and arts of the area so as to attract scholars from all over the world. It lies beside the conference center.
The principal objective of reviving the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is to establish a comprehensive research library of a unique collection and intention. The new library is designed as a modem state-of-art translation of the old, adequate for crossing the frontiers and meeting the challenges of the 21st. century. It will certainly contribute to excellence in research and advancement of human knowledge. The library will become a unique admired research institution, a haven for scholars worldwide to produce their quality work of excellence. It will also be an invaluable information resource to support decision-making and broaden future horizons for the cultural, social and economic development of
Egypt and the region. Subsequently, the library will play a needed role to further cooperation between the north and south of the
Mediterranean
Basin. as well as between the east and west.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has adopted its collection development policy in cooperation with UNDPIUNESCO and with valuable input of national and international experts, in order to evolve its unique collection and functions and to avoid repetition and unnecessary overlapping with other research libraries regionally or internationally. Since the famous 1990 Aswan Declaration, UNESCO and the international community has been cooperating with the Egyptian Government to muster resources for the library implementation.
Location: The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina has a site of 45 000m2 located in the center of
Alexandria across from the
Silsilah
Peninsula. This is the location of the ancient “Royal Quarter”, where the first library is thought to have been located. A 1993 archaeological survey of the site further verifies the location of this “Royal Quarter”.
The Corniche waterfront avenue and the sea bound the library site from the north for a length of 305m giving the Library a magnificent view of the
Eastern
Harbor. Also, on the site, is the Conference Center of Alexandria, 5 000m2, which will augment the facilities of the library.
The Site: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located on a magnificent site in the
Eastern
Harbor, facing the sea on the north, and Alexandria University Complex on its southern side. It overlooks the
Silsilah
Peninsula. It is very close to the location of the Old Library in the Bruceton (the Ancient Royal Quarter), as verified by the 1993 archeological survey.
Library Components: The Library of Alexandria complex includes: the Main Library, Young Peoples' Library, Library for the Blind, Planetarium,
Science
Museum,
Calligraphy
Museum,
Alexandria
Archeological
Museum, International School of Information Studies (ISIS), Conservation and Restoration Laboratory, Conference Center of Alexandria and Ancillary Services, Multipurpose Rooms and Exhibition areas.
Facts & Figures:
Total floors -11
Total floor areas -85,405 m2
Building Height -33 m
Universal Library -36,770 m2
Cultural Activities -4210 m2
Technical Services and Operational Support -10,860 m2
International School of Information Studies (ISIS) -3500 m2
Conference Center Ancillary Services, Other Areas -30,840 m2
Books: 200,000 at inauguration 1 up to 8 million ultimately
Periodicals: 1500/4000
Audio 1 Visual 1 Multimedia Material: 10,000150,000
Manuscripts & Rare Books: 10,000/50,000
Maps: 50,000
Computer Data Bases: OPAC, Internet access to the information superhighways
Qaitbay Citadel “Fortress”
It is located at the northern tip of the eastern harbor, on the site where the ancient Pharaohs of Alexandria was set up. This fort was built in the 15th century by Qaitbay, and it consists of three stories similar to medieval fortresses in
Egypt. It also houses the naval museum which revives the marine heritage of
Alexandria.
The
Greco
Roman
Museum
It tells the story of the invasion of
Egypt by Alexander the Great and the building of
Alexandria.
It houses many collections of rare Greek and Roman relics and coins, about 40 thousand pieces, dating From the 3rd century BC till the 7th century AD.
The most important and priceless statues in the museum is the “
Tanagra” statues. discovered east of
Alexandria and is distinguished from the res of the Ptolemaic tombs by its well preserved relieves and architectural style.
The Tombs of Mustafa Kamel
Located in the
Roman Camp Street, Rushdi. They are four catacombs, from the Ptolemaic era, dating back to the second century BC. it is a unique subterranean rock hewn tomb as it is the only tomb discovered east of Alexandria and is distinguished from the rest of the Ptolemaic tombs by its well preserved relieves and architectural style.
The Pompey’s Pillar
It is a huge granite pillar, about 27 ms high, dates from the third century amidst the remaining relics o the Serapeum. The pillar was erected in honor of the Greek Emperor Diocletian.
The Catacombs
Located in Kom El Shokafa. It is the larges Roman cemetery They consist of three levels cut in the rock to a depth of 100 feet Dating back to the turf of the 2nd century AD it is a blend o Pharaonic and Roman art.
Al Anfushi Tombs
They are located in front of Ras El Teen entrance. There are five tombs in the area but two of them are considered the most important. They were discovered in 1901, and date back to the Ptolemaic era in the third century BC. The two: tombs are distinguished by their beautiful engravings and unique architectural design.
The Roman Amphitheater
It is a small roman amphitheater, recently discovered in the area of Kom El Dekka. the theatre is considered the only relic of its kind in
Egypt for it has 12 rows of semi circular marble seats and the theatre is in good condition.
Al Shatby Necropolis
Situated north of Saint Mark’s college, opposite the sea. It consists of an entrance with a corridor linking the front and bad burial rooms, a front room and an interior one. Several parts for burial were added to it in later centuries. It dates back to the 3rc century BC, and is built in the ancient Greek houses style.
Abu Qeir Suburb:
Abu-Qeir is one of
Alexandria’s calmest beaches, and the best place for fishing. This pleasant suburb is historically famous where across its shore~ the decisive naval battle in 1798, in which the English commander Wilson destroyed Napoleon’s fleet.
St. Mina Monastery
This is to be found 75 kilometers to the west of
Alexandria. It is of great importance to Christians as well as being a medical center favored by tourists.
Mosques
Most Mosques are situated in El Gomrok "customs" Area. Many theologists came to
Alexandria during Al Ayobie’s and Mamluk’s region. Of these was Sheik Abu El Hassan El Shazly who came in 1245. He was the founder of the Sofy’s method and Abu El Abbas El Morsy was one of the best students During that period, other theologists such as Sharaf El Din El Boseney, AbuAbdallah El Shatbi, Yakou El Arsh, , lbn Atta El Sakandatri and Mohamed Danielle Most Mosoly came to
Alexandria and contributed a lotto its culture life.
Al Morsi Abu Al Abbas Mosque
Situated in Al-Anfoushi suburb, this Andalusia-style mosque is the largest and the most important Islamic monument in
Alexandria with its high towering minaret and four domes
Sidi Bishr Mosque
He came to
Alexandria from
Morocco. On his death, he was buried in the place named after him, in the east of Alexandria The Awqaf Ministry built a mosque next to his tomb in the late 19th century.
Al Attareen Mosque
So called because of its proximity to Al-Attareen market it lies next to the old Amr lbn Al-As mosque, and is known as the one thousand pillar mosque. Its construction goes back to the 14th century.
El Boseiry Mosque
One of his parents was from Boseir, that’s why he was named El Boseiry. the mosque faces the mosque of Abu El Abbas El Morsy, as he was considered one of his students. He was famous for writing Sofy’s Poetry.
The Naval Museum
It was set up in Fatma El- Zahraa Palace in
Alexandria; in Zezenia district .This palace is considered a glamorous architectural masterpiece. This museum with its many rooms and halls It contains many rare paintings, statues and decorations, as well as a priceless collection of the rare jewels that Mohammed Ali dynasty acquired
The
Museum of
Fine Arts
It is located in 18,
Al-Mansheia Street, Moharram Bey District. It houses a large number of art works, painting sculpture and architecture. Many exhibitions o contemporary Egyptians and foreign artists are held in this museum.
The
Museum of
Royal Family Jewelry
It was set up in
Fatma
El-Zahraa
Palace in
Alexandria, in Zezenia district, This palace is considered a glamorous architectural masterpiece. This museum with its many rooms and halls contains many rare paintings, statues and decorations, as well as a priceless collection of the rare jewels that Mohamed Ali dynasty acquired.
Mahmoud Said Museum
It Consists of 3 museums showing different pieces belonging to Mohamed Said, Adham and Seif Wanly. In additional to another museum for the modern Egyptian art and a number of showrooms for parties and exhibitions.
Alexandria
Gardens
Montaza
Palace and Gardens
The palace was built on an area of 370 feddans in the form of separate buildings, originally as a summer resort for the ex-royal family The gardens are nicely decorated with many trees, palm trees, unique flower beds. Inside the garden the visitors can enjoy the dazzling beaches, restaurants, chalets, and children’s park.
El Nozha Gardens
Dates back to the Ptolemaic period (300B.C.) It contains many gardens:
Antoniadis
Garden:
Built by John Antonio in 1860, it is divided into different gardens following on the French, Italian, Romanian and Greek style where the visitor can find a rare collection of monuments, marble statues palace.
Flower Garden
Containing a huge collection, unique flowers and plants
The Zoo
Constructed in1917 of 23 feddans
El Shallalat Park
It’s about 80 feddans and contains a unique collection of trees and characterized by the waterfall ways and the remains of the wall of ancient
Alexandria.
Alexandria Restaurants:
The restaurants offer the most appetizing western and local cuisine. Some of them are on the Cornish others are in the city. Abu Qeir is famous for its restaurant Specialized in serving a variety of seafood.
