Alexandria
Alexandria is the 2nd largest city in Egypt and is often referred to as “The Mediterranean Pearl” due to its rugged coastline. It was founded by Alexander the Great and is also associated with Cleopatra (who ruled ancient Egypt).
It’s well known for its promenade (Corniche – wide waterfront roads) and catacombs. One can admire the beautiful sunset along the coastline while sitting in the cafes across the promenade. Alexandria can also be done as a day’s excursion from Cairo if you have fewer days in hand.
From our gallery
Gallery
Sightseeing
- Bibliotheca Alexandria
- Fort Qaitbey
- Pompey’s Pillar
- Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqaf
- Kom-El Dikka
- Montazah Gardens
This library is famed for its architectural beauty and it was constructed in the memory of the ancient library of Alexandria and keeps its spirit alive. This gorgeous library also hosts museums besides a huge reading room and also showcases a range of curated exhibits.
It was built from the remaining blocks of the lighthouse which were destroyed by a series of earthquakes. This building was created to protect and fortify the city from foreign naval invaders. This fort is home to the catacombs of the Greek Noble family combining Greek & Egyptian art. On its roof, you can view the blue waters portraying the splendid beauty of the Mediterranean.
Pompey’s Pillar was built to represent the wealth and power that Alexandria enjoyed during Roman rule and was made out of red granite.
During the 2nd to 4th centuries, it was the main burial site. Ideally, it was built as a tomb only for 1 family but later on, it got extended as a bigger burial site. A donkey lost its footing and fell inside thus discovering the access to the catacombs which were later excavated.
A spiral staircase leads to the main rotunda (the principal tomb) and there are various burial rooms and hives around it accommodating around 300 corpses or more. The ceilings and wall decorations of catacombs are a clear example of Greek, Egyptian & Roman art.
It was a luxurious residential area with pretty villas, bathhouses, and a theatre in the Greco-Roman period. The area was known as the Park of Pan where its citizens used to engage in lazy pursuits. Though the remains of it aren’t that captivating it does preserve the Roman era days and the Roman amphitheatre.
Home to 2 historical palaces – Salamlek Palace known as Montazah Palace (today turned into a luxury hotel) and Al-Haramlik Palace along with royal Montazah gardens were built on the same ground. The former was constructed as a hunting lodge and the latter to serve as a seaside summer palace.
One isn’t permitted to enter the palace but strolling across the gardens is allowed and gives you stunning sea views & sounds of waves. The garden is beautifully trimmed and maintained and popular amongst locals. Since it's close to the beach, it usually has a pleasant cool breeze blowing from the Mediterranean Sea makes it worthwhile to spend some time there.