Alexandria
Yalla Habibi,
Let’s visit Alexandria, a city steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking architecture. From the shimmering Mediterranean Sea to the heart of its bustling downtown, Alexandria has much to offer.
The Library of Alexandria
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a vast library and cultural center located on the city’s eastern harbor, This ultra-modern building is a tribute to the original Library of Alexandria, which was the largest and most significant library of the ancient world, The new Library houses millions of books, an Internet archive, several specialized libraries, four museums, a planetarium, and a manuscript restoration laboratory, Its unique architecture, featuring a giant sun disk, is a sight to behold.
Qaitbay Citadel
A robust fortress dating back to the 15th century, stands impressively along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay laid its foundation in the year 1477 AD.
The Citadel is situated on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The lighthouse continued to function until the time of the Arab conquest, then several disasters occurred and the shape of the lighthouse was changed to some extent, but it still continued to function.
Back in the days of Ahmed Ibn Tulun around 880 AD, folks started fixing up the place, Everything was going well until the 11th century when an earthquake shook things up a bit, The bottom part held on, but the fancy octagonal part at the top got the worst of it, It was still useful though, mainly as a lookout point, and they even managed to pop a tiny mosque up there.
Fast forward a few centuries to the 14th century, and bam! Another quake hit, and this time it was so bad the whole building came crumbling down.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
It’s called the Catacombs of Kom El-Shuqafa, and it’s so impressive it’s listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages!
a whole series of tombs, statues, and all sorts of old artifacts from way back when the Pharaohs were holding funerals.
You’ll see a mash-up of styles from the Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman times. It’s like a three-for-one deal, where you get to see how Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures all came together.
Pompey's Pillar
Pompey’s Pillar is an ancient Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, Egypt.
Despite its name, the pillar has nothing to do with the Roman consul and general Pompey, who was famously defeated by Julius Caesar.
The monolith was actually erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian in the late 4th century AD
Montaza Palace Gardens
Montaza Palace and its surrounding 150-acre gardens are an oasis of calm in the bustling city.
The palace, built in 1892, is a beautiful blend of Turkish and Florentine architectural styles.
While the palace is not open to the public, the lush gardens, with their palm trees and gazebos, offer a delightful place for a leisurely stroll.
Alexandria National Museum
Nestled in the heart of Alexandria, Egypt, this museum started its journey on December 31, 2003, with a grand opening by none other than Hosni Mubarak.
What makes it extra special is its home – a beautifully restored Italian-style palace on the charming Tariq El Horreya Street (you might know it as Rue Fouad).
Fun fact – this place used to be the U.S. consulate!
Step inside, and you’ll find a treasure trove of around 1,800 artifacts, each one telling a piece of Alexandria’s and Egypt’s fascinating stories.
Most of these goodies were carefully moved here from other Egyptian museums.
You’ll get the chance to see three amazing collections focusing on Ancient Egyptian, Coptic, and the Muslim world.
They even have some cool stuff from the Hellenistic period, including some rare finds from Heraklion and Canopus.
Stanley Bridge
Stanley Bridge is a 400-meter bridge in Alexandria, Egypt.
Constructed in 2001, it is a modern architectural marvel that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Walking along the bridge, especially at sunset, is one of the simplest yet most rewarding activities you can do in the city.
El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque
Located in the Anfoushi district of Alexandria, the El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque is an iconic part of the city’s skyline.
The mosque, constructed in 1775 over the tomb of the 13th-century Sufi saint el-Mursi Abul Abbas, is one of the most important Islamic landmarks in Egypt.
Its stunning architecture, featuring a cream-colored facade and towering minarets, is a must-see for any visitor.
Sea food
If you’re a seafood lover, Alexandria is a food paradise you won’t want to miss!
With its prime location on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria offers an abundance of fresh seafood, prepared in ways that blend traditional Egyptian flavors with Mediterranean cooking techniques.
