Places to visit in Alexandria

The oldest library that attracts historians and scholars for many centuries was constructed by Ptolemy in third century BC. Modern facilities were incorporated by the Egyptian government in 2002 and it still is as grand as ever.

It is one of the most renowned lighthouses of ancient Alexandria constructed around 297 BC by Ptolemy I. It is also one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing on a small island and connecting to the main land by the Heptastadion. But at present nothing remains of the original structure but a tall structure of 17metres at Abu Sir built as a funerary monument by Ptolemy II Philadelphus replicating the three storied Alexandrian tower.

By cutting bedrocks these burial chambers and three tiered underground tombs were built by the Romans in second century AD. The architecture is a conglomeration of Roman, Egyptian and Greek symbols, a complete reflection of Alexandria’s history.

The culture here in Alexandria is truly cosmopolitan with a fusion of many traditions available in this ancient thriving city. Introduction by the Pharaohs along with the tribal culture those imbibed from the invaders are all juxtaposed amidst the modern outlook of Egypt. The locals here share their beliefs with the tourists very easily.

Garage is a local theatre and managed is by the Young Arab Theatre Fund. The venue hosts regular programming of local and international theatres and the program is divided between classical and opera music.

The EasternHarbour is dominated by this beautiful fort which was built on a narrow stretch of a land by Mamluk Sultan Qaubey in the year 1480. After renovation, the fort is open to the public. With a spectacular view across the harbour, itsis good place for taking walks.

It is amassive column 30 m long emerging over the magnificent old settlement of Rhakotis. For centuries, this pillar has been the city’s most important sight and was constructed in 291 AD.

This is the city’s ancient library and is one of the greatest classical institutions. It was refurbished and reopened in 2002 and is Egypt’s major centre for cultural exchange. Apart from the main reading room, the library has three museums, specialised libraries, planetariums; conference centres and a schedule of events throughout the year.

With a lovely sunny weather to compliment, it is definitely strange that there aren’t enough parks and gardens to boast of greenery except the beautiful MontazahPalace. The Palace is located on top of a rocky cliff and boasts of fabulous views of the sea. The palace was originally constructed to for a summer refuge to the last king of Egypt, Farouk. During summer, the garden looks stunning when most of the exotic flowers are in full bloom. The Moorish-style architecture of the palace with a sandy cove in the vicinity and a Victorian bridge connecting the adjoin island, the entire scenario is very enticing and beautiful.

The museums of Alexandria will capture your imagination and innovation if you are on the lookout for something new. The George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Museum and Gardens are just a bike/boat ride away are preserved very well.  The historic sites like  Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum are located in the heart of Old Town interpret the incredible role of the first President’s hometown. Detailed stories about the African Americans are found at the AlexandriaBlackHistoryMuseum and at Freedom House. You can visualise artwork being created in front of you at the world famous Torpedo Factory Art Centre and the creative minds will find an edge at the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum.

If you want, you can take an exclusive religious tour with an efficient tour guide to the Salah al-Din Citadel, admire the beauty of the Alabaster Mosque and even explore the shops of the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, the ben-Ezra synagogue and the oldest churches of Alexandria especially the HangingChurch.

Consisting of a labyrinth of Greco-Roman origin, these catacombs date back to the 1st and the 2nd century AD. These tombs were discovered in the Karmouz area in 1900 and have been cut in the rock underneath the modern city. On the entrance to the burial chambers, one can find carved reliefs of Anubis and Seth-Typhon under the disguise of Roman legionaries.

On the Ras el-Tin peninsula lays the small cemetery of Anfushi. They are rock cut caves of Greek origin dating to 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. They were discovered in early 20th century. An elaborate decoration of the burial suites with crouching sphinxes and Egyptian deities is done with an Egyptian theme.