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Alexandria City:
The
second largest city in Egypt after the capital Cairo. Known as the
"Pearl of the Mediterranean". Lies about 225 km. from Cairo, it takes
about two and half hours to reach it from Cairo by car.
Weather & clothing:
Alexandria's
weather is so unique and enjoyable to many people, it’s mild in winter
tend to be cold and rainy in sometimes, so heavy clothes are recommended
specially at night. Summer is sunny, and beaches are crowded with people
there. Cotton wear is the best. Check Alexandria’s weather here! Other
dress code recommendation, both men and women are expected to dress
modestly when visiting churches or mosques. Women are also required to
cover their hair before entering mosques.
Where to Eat in Alexandria:
Alexandria is
famous with its seafood dishes. Many of the visitors to Alexandria love
having seafood meals during their stay there. Seafood restaurants are
famous with their incredible recipes and mouthwatering dishes. In
addition to the seafood restaurants found at Alexandria, there are also
international, fast food, Italian & traditional restaurants. If you are
into trying different types of ethnic food, don't miss the Egyptian
kitchen , it is recommended to view our dedicated section talking about
Food in Egypt
Transportation & car rental:
Although a
network of tramways and buses serves most areas in Alexandria, public
transportation in is usually crowded and unreliable in Egypt. Though,
taxis are recommended as the most reliable transportation means for
visitors. Taxis in Alexandria are orange and black in color and can be
stopped anywhere by waving to the driver , , it is recommended to view
our dedicated section talking about transportation in Egypt
The North Coast:
Heading to
the west of Alexandria with about 60km there lies the extended
breathtaking beaches of the North Coast. The North Coast is Egypt's
North Western gate, which stretches for about 525km along the
Mediterranean, and east to Sallum on the Libyan boarder. An in-dependent
agricultural land, which was believed to have a prosperous future. Many
comprehensive planning studies have been conducted. Many luxurious
tourist spots have been built along those marvelous white sand beaches.
The North Coast area can be reached by cars or buses available from
Alexandria or Cairo.
North
Coast Tourist's Villages:
Distinguished tourist villages; including nice building units
overlooking the beach, houses, and public services. In addition, there
are more than 121 private locations under construction. This area is one
of the rapidly growing areas in local tourism. Besides, it's getting to
be one of the most important prospects for attracting international
tourism, regarding its beautiful weather & magnificent nature.
Famous spots to visit at the North coast:
Abu Mina
Lies 50 km to
the west and dates back to the 4th century. St. Mina was buried there
after he was killed during the reign of Diocletian in 226 A.D. It has a
basilica church and two small chapels, as well as other historical
buildings.
Borg al-Arab
About 52 km
to the west, it comprises a temple, Abu Sir Lighthouse and a communal
grave from Roman times.
Marina
El Alamein
About
100Km from the city of Alexandria there lies, "Marina- Al Alamein" about
5000 acre, along the blue sea and white sand. Apart from the beach, it
consists of housing and public service units. Summer activities and
entertainment like; Golf, horse-riding and other sport facilities.
"Marina- Al Alamein" is an exceptional case, as it's endowed with
natural deep lakes, large forests, as well as rich Greek and Roman
monuments.
El Alamein
El Alamein is
most notable as the place where the Allied forces of WW II gained a
decisive victory of the Axis forces. Today, the village is located about
66 miles east of Alexandria and is mostly a port facility for shipping
oil. However, it was once described by Churchill as having the best
climate in the world. There are several hotels and a beach resort
nearby. There is also a war museum with collectibles from the Battle of
El Alamein and other North African battles. The only historical interest
in this village would be related to WW II, which includes an Italian and
German military cemeteries on "Tell el-Eisa" found just outside of town.
Sidi Abdel Rahman
About 15
miles west of Al Alamein lies Sidi Abdel Rahman, with its beautiful
sugar white beaches. This is one of those virgin beach areas you read
about but rarely see. Bedouins inhabit a small village a little over a
mile away. It's the right resort to enjoy your vacation.
Tourist Information:
The Building of Alexandria:
Alexandria,
known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean", is the second largest city in
Egypt. . The ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of
the country although it is actually only 225 km. from Cairo.
Originally,
founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital
of Egypt during the Greco-Roman period. It bares the lighthouse that was
one of the Seven Wonders of the World . It’s a legendry country that
regarded the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Anthony.
Alexandria
was also the center of learning in the ancient world, baring the great
library of Alexandria . Following the Greco-Roman period was the Arab
period where Amr Ebn El-Aas changed the Capital from Alexandria to be
Al-Fustat or Cairo , nowadays.
Alexandria
glamour declined during that period, but then in 1789 the French army
led by Napoleon Bonaparte entered Alexandria , and captured it easily
with little resistance. But then in 1799 the French expiation was
conquered in front of the British army who defeated the French army in
the famous battle know as “Abu-Quir battle”. And since then the city of
Alexandria witnessed a lot of battles and military confrontations
between different armies; Egyptian, ottoman, Mameluoks and the British.
From
the 19th century Alexandria took a new role, as a focus for Egypt's
commercial and maritime expansion. Generations of immigrants from
Greece, Italy and the Levant settled here and made the city synonymous
with commerce, cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture.
The
oldest area in Alexandria , is El-Gumrok (customs district dates back to
the 16 th Century) Anfushi, and Ras el-Tin ( Cape of Figs).
The latter
two districts dates back to the period of Mohammed Ali (1805-49).
Collectively, these districts are known to westerners as the Turkish
Quarter. They have had a number of ups and downs over the years,
particularly due to the plague during the 17th century. The area forms
somewhat of a T shape, dividing the Eastern Harbor from the Western
Harbor.
This
section of Alexandria is known to us more from books then what we may
actually see in the area. Where the Pharos Lighthouse once stood, is now
occupied by the Fort of Quit Bay , out on the area that circles up
around the top of Eastern Harbor forming the eastern section of the top
of the T. Heading south from the Fort of Quit Bay, we come to the
stunning Abu El-Abbas Mosque . West of this is the Anfushi Tombs, some
of the oldest in Alexandria and well worth a visit.
Central Alexandria
Heading
towards the mainland past the Abu El-Abbas Mosque and connecting with
Faransa street leads to the Suq (market )district. Just before entering
the district one finds the interesting little Terbana Mosque. In the Suq
district, one finds Alexandria's only surviving wakalas, which is a part
of the El-Shorbagi Mosque complex founded in 1757. This was also the
area where Alexandria's Jewish community lived, but most have now
migrated to Israel. Different areas have specialized in different goods
and one may find all manner of products from jewelry to Medicinal plants
(Suq El-Magharba / Moroccan market) to Bedouin clothing (Suq El-Libya /
Libyan market).
Going down
Faransa St. , one passes Midan Tahrir and the street turns into Salah
Salem, and finally connects with Al-Horreya.
Midan Tahrir,
known as Manshiya, has considerable history. The areas were once home
to Diplomats and known as Place Des Consuls, but after the statue of
Mohammed Ali was placed here in 1873 the name was changed to Midan
Mohammed Ali (Mohamed Ali square). In 1882, it was bombarded by the
British and all but destroyed. The Alexandria Stock Exchange was once
located there, and it was the square that Nasser announced the
nationalization of the Suez Canal .
The
street named Al-Horreya (Tariq Abd el-Nasser) which transverses the area
from east to west was in ancient times the Canopic Way with the Gate of
the Sun at the eastern end and the Gate of the Moon at the western end.
At that time, there were probably columns lining the road. The main
north to South Street , now el-Nebi Daniel St. , ran from the East
Harbor all the way to Lake Harbor on Lake Mariout .
Just south of
the intersection of Al Horreya and el-Nebi Daniel was the site
traditionally thought to be the burial place of Alexander the Great, but
that has not been located, and may in fact be beneath the Mosque of Nebi
Daniel or in a nearby Greek necropolis.
The famous
Alexandria Library was probably nearby. However, the only real
antiquities site that can be viewed in the area is Kom el-Dik, a small
Roman theater that has been excavated. Nearby is also a bath house of
the era. To the east is the Antiques District where dealers sell
antiquities, books, old weapons and furniture. Here is also the
Attarine Mosque, which was once a church dedicated to Athanasius.
Further
south along the tramway is Popey's pillar and nearby the Catacombs of
Kom ash-Shuqqafa.
Wondering
along el-Nebi Daniel are several other attractions, including the French
Cultural Center , and nearby the Eliahu Hanabi Synagogue, which is the
only active synagogue in Alexandria and houses the combined treasures of
the seven former Alexandrian synagogues.
 Back to
the north on el-Nebi Daniel, next to the harbor where
El-Raml station is now located at Saad
Zaghlul Square was the location of the Caesareum. This was a
magnificent temple begun by Cleopatra for her lover Anthony and
subsequently completed by their enemy Octavious, though none of this
remained in site. Nearby is the well known Cecil Hotel, built in 1930,
Smerset Maugham stayed there, as did Winston Churchill, and the British
Secret Service one maintained a suite for their operations.
Midan Saad Zaghlul is the entertainment
heart and nerve center of Alexandria . Here, as terminals and train
stations provide a backdrop for cinemas, restaurants and night spots.
It was the setting of Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet and the
famous Alexandria coffee houses. The square is dominated by an
impressive monument dedicated to Saad Zaghlul, a former national leader.
The Greek Quarter and Bab Rosetta District:
Back to Al
Horreya heading east, as we pass the Graeco-Roman Museum (a notable
museum well worth a visit) we move into the Greek Quarter of Alexandria,
one of the most beautiful residential districts. The wonderful old
villas include the massive Miclavez building, which is opposite the Town
Hall and nearby the Adda Complex built in 1929. This is where the
wealthy Greeks lived at the turn of the century, and the streets are
still named after the Ptolemic, Pharaonic, Abbasid and Fatimid rulers.
Further east is the Greek Orthodox patriarchate and the Church of St.
Saba .
Further
east, Al Horreya opens into a beautiful green area known as the Gardens
Falls , which was once the fortification of Bab Rosetta. But in 1905,
Alexandria created a garden area here with waterfalls and the only
Alexandria cistern which can be viewed. This cistern is an example of
those which once dotted Alexandria providing fresh water to her
inhabitants.
The Alexandrian Corniche:
The Corniche
is doted with Casinos built on stilts and rows of beach huts. The
avenue here did not always exist, for until the 20th century, the areas
remained fortified by a five mile long wall with towers which had
protected the city since the 13th Century. In the early 1900s, a strip
of land with a width of about 100 yards was reclaimed from the sea, and
the area became popular with beach goers. That is no longer the case,
but it remains a lively area of Alexandria .
On the
western end of the Corniche near Sisila where the New Alexandria Library
is being constructed, by the Shatby Tombs which are said to be the
oldest in Alexandria. Nearer the San Stefano area across the tram tracks
is also the Royal Jewelry Museum .
The
Mahmudiya Canal, a walk along the Mahmudiya Canal brings one face to
face with the working class and industrial districts of Alexandria, and
is pleasant along the old paved road bordered by the canal and sycamore
streets. South of the Greek district along the canal is the Antoniadis
Gardens, which seep with history. Here, the poet Callimachus lived and
taught, and in 640 AD, Pompilius prevented the King of Syria from
capturing Alexandria. But less then a year later, Amr Ibn el-As camped
here, before taking the city. The well known Water Traffic Circle is
also in the area. Here one finds the Zoological Gardens, the small
Museum of Natural History and the Fine Arts Museum in the Moharrem Bey
area, and a Rose Garden. The beautiful public gardens extend into the
surrounding area where the Antoniadis Palace is located, and there is
even a nearby Roman tomb.
El-Muntazah:
 The
magnificent Muntazah Palace, which was the king's summer residence. It
comprises several buildings the most important are the Haramlek and the
Salamlek, built by Khedive Abbas II. These 2 buildings are transformed
now to hotels for accommodation. Staying in any of them really gives you
the royalty feeling.
This area
along the coast about 15 miles east of Alexandria's old district along
the Corniche is where many of the modern Alexandrian hotels are located,
as well as one of the elegant heritage hotels. Situated overlooking the
marvelous beach and extends over 370 feddans of gardens and woods.
Alexandria also witnessed the abdication of King Farouk and his exile to
Italy on 1952. Also, in year 1956 President Nasser announced the
nationalization of Suez Canal.
Other Places to visit at Alexandria:
The Greco-Roman Museum
Houses many
collections of rare Greek and Roman relics and coins - about 40 thousand
pieces, from the Third Century B.C. to the Seventh Century AD, including
the "Tanagra" collection. The museum also houses the pieces recovered in
1995 at the Lighthouse site.
Pompey's Pillar
Mistakenly
named so in the Middle Ages, this granite pillar is over 25 meters high.
Built amidst the ruins of the Serapium in AD 297 AD in honor of Emperor
Diocletian, it is the most prominent remaining Greek landmark in
Alexandria.
The Roman Amphitheatre
Located
downtown at Kom al-Dikkah the Roman amphitheatre is considered unique in
Egypt. Discovered only in the early 1960's while laying the foundation
of a new building, the amphitheatre has twelve semi-circular marble
tiers in remarkably good condition.
The Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa
This is the
largest Roman cemetery in Alexandria. It is composed of three levels cut
30 meters deep into the existing rock. Dating to the beginning of the
Second Century AD, it is a blend of Pharaonic and Roman art.
Al-Shatby Necropolis
Constructed
along the lines of the old Greek houses, the necropolis includes a
doorway, corridor, and two chambers. It dates back to the Third Century
BC, and lies north of Collège St. Marc.
The Tombs of Al-Anfushi
These five
Ptolemic tombs, from the early Third Century BC, were only discovered in
AD 1901. They were cut into the existing rock and belong to
Greek-Egyptians.
The Tombs of
Mustafa Kamel (Rushdy) These four subterranean rock-hewn tombs, date
back to the Second Century BC. Influenced by Ancient Egyptian style,
they are distinguished by their bright colors and relief inscriptions
that describe the daily activities and religious beliefs of the
deceased.
The Fort of Qaitbay
 Erected on
the northern tip of the Eastern Port on the site of the ancient Pharos
of Alexandria, the fort design is influenced by both medieval
architecture as well as by the lighthouse original layout. The fort also
houses the Naval Museum.
The Mosque of
Mursi Abul Abbas
Situated
in Al-Anfushi, this Andalusian-style mosque is the largest in the city.
It has four domes and a minaret, and was re-built in the twentieth
century at the site of the old Abul Abbas shrine.
The Beaches
There are
many
sandy
beaches
stretching from east to west: Maamura - Montaza - Assafra - Miamy - Sidi
Bishr - San Stefano - Glym - Stanley - Rushdy - Sidi Gaber - Sporting -
Ibrahimia - and Shatby; all of which lie along the seafront boulevard,
the "Corniche". On the western perimeter lie Al-Bitash and Hanoville
beaches.
Abu-Qir Suburb
One of the
calmest beaches, famous for fishing and seafood restaurants. This area,
historically known as "Canopus" contains several Greek and Roman
monuments. It is the site of the Abu-Qir battle between Napoleon and the
British Commander, Nelson.
Al-Alamein
Site of the
famous WWII Alamein battle, this beach also houses a WWII military
museum.
Museums
The Royal Jewellery Museum
Originally
the Palace of Princess Fatma al-Zahraa in Zizinia, it is an
architectural masterpiece. Its many rooms and halls contain rare
paintings, statues and decorations, as well as a priceless collection of
jewels of the Mohamed Ali dynasty.
The
Museum of Fine Arts Houses collections of sculptures, paintings, and
architectural works. Exhibitions by contemporary artists are often held
there. Furthermore, the museum organizes the Alexandria Biennial, where
art from Mediterranean countries is displayed.
The
Hydrobiological Institute and Museum
Located
at Al-Anfushi, near Qaitbay Fortress, the museum houses a rare
collection of fish and marine life.
Other Attractions
The Antoniadis Gardens and the Zoo
The Gardens
contain beautifully arranged trees and flowers, a botanical garden, as
well as several Greek statues in marble. The Antoniadis Palace is
located in the middle of the gardens. The zoo is the second largest in
Egypt.
The Shallalat Gardens
A central
park east of downtown,
it is of special character, distinguished by its high and low levels and
waterways. The gardens also house parts of the ancient (Arab) city
walls.
The Alexandria university
Conference
Center The Alexandria Cultural Center, in Al-Silsilah, over 42,000 sq.
meters in area, comprises a conference center, the Biblioteca
Alexandrina (under construction), an open courtyard, and a garage.
Recent Underwater Discoveries
Relatively
new discoveries in the Eastern Harbor involve two different sites.
Around Fort Qaitbey the site has unearthed hundreds of objects,
including what experts believe are the remains of the Pharos Lighthouse,
one of the ancient wonders of the world. In the south east part of the
harbor archaeologists have apparently found the Royal Quarters,
including granite columns and fabulous statues,
including one of Isis and a sphinx with a head thought to be that of
Cleopatra's father.
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