Fortress Kayt Bay – located on the peninsula of Pharos. It was built on the site of one of the seven wonders of the world. The fortress also houses the Maritime Museum.
The tombs of Kom el-Shoqaf (catacombs) are the largest complex of tombs in Egypt, excavated from a rock that was discovered in 1900. It consists of three levels. The lowest one is at a depth of about 34 m. A labyrinth of corridors leads to graves in which about 300 mummies are buried. When visiting the catacombs, it is worth taking a look at the snakes in the upper and lower parts of the Egyptian crown, the sun disk rising above the gate, and Greco-Roman motifs.
The Abu el-Abbas Mosque is the largest and most beautiful mosque in Alexandria. It was built in 1775 in honor of the Andalusian sheikh buried here. The mosque is characterized by large domes, a tall minaret and arabesque patterns, which enhance the beauty of the building.
Roman amphitheater – originally this place served as the auditorium of the Roman theater, and later it served as the auditorium of the supreme power of Ancient Rome. The semicircular amphitheater consists of 13 rows of marble seats. In front of the entrance, you can see a well-preserved mosaic floor. In the amphitheater there are monuments of underwater excavations (Kaitbeja Fort). Among the exhibits you can see a fragment of an obelisk from the time of the Sphinx.
The amphitheater is open to visitors from 9:00 to 17:00.
Library of Alexandria – This collection once held over 900,000 works. Numerous scrolls contained almost all Greek, Ethiopian, Hebrew, Indian and Persian writings. During the invasion of Egypt (48 BC), the library was completely burned down.
Alexandria had the most magnificent library of ancient times. Here all the most significant scientists and philosophers of their time sought information and drew knowledge.
In 2002, a new library was built almost on the same site as the original one. Information and research are respected here. Indeed, the current library is much more than a collection of millions of books. It has exhibitions, research institutes, a museum and a planetarium. The library receives up to 1.5 million visitors annually.
The reading room is designed for 2000 readers.
Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria – we can find about 40,000 exhibits there. The museum has 25 rooms, in which exhibits are placed in chronological order from the classical, pharaonic and Christian periods. There are monuments and artifacts in the inner garden.
The museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00 except Fridays.
In Alexandria, as elsewhere in Egypt, dress conservatively. Women should cover their knees and shoulders, and men should also wear long trousers instead of shorts. It is useful for women to avoid moving alone, especially in the dark.
When moving around the city, it is recommended to be vigilant. For smaller crimes, pickpocketing occurs, but tourists are rarely abused.
The most convenient way to travel is by taxi. There are many black and yellow taxis in the city, some of which are in poor condition. The price must be negotiated in advance, as taxis do not use meters. There are also telephone taxis in the city, which are more expensive than the black and yellow taxis, but are in better condition.
The city also has a tram network. The network is old and slow, but available
Alexandria has several large malls that sell everything from groceries to Western brands. The newest of the malls is San Stefano Mall, which has a cinema in addition to shops.
For those looking for a more traditional shopping experience, head to one of the many bazaar districts. For example, you can buy clothes, fabrics, sewing supplies and jewelry in the Farans Sharia area. There is also a good selection of traditional eateries in the area.
Alexandria has many beaches, both public and private, where you can admire the Mediterranean waves. Some public beaches have a small entrance fee. In addition, sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented on the beaches. On the shore, it is worth remembering that the Egyptians are conservative. Bikinis are allowed on many beaches, but topless sunbathing is not recommended.
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. In antiquity and the Middle Ages, it was an important center of cultural life and a great port in the Mediterranean. During the reign of Ptolemy, the city was the capital of Egypt, and in Roman times the seat of the provincial authorities. At the end of antiquity, it became one of the four largest centers of Christianity in the Mediterranean (the others are Syrian Antioch, Constantinople and Rome).
Alexandria was the capital of Egypt for almost a thousand years, that is, until 641 AD, when the country was conquered by the Muslims. In later centuries, after the capital was moved to Cairo, the city gradually lost its importance.