Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and is known as The Pearl of the Mediterranean. The city exudes an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. The ambience and cultural heritage, along with an exotic Orient flavor, is truly captivating and attracts travelers from all over the world.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of the Graeco-Roman Egypt. This was also the center of learning in the ancient world.
From the 19th c, Alexandria became the focus for Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion. No wonder, it has evolved as an ideal tourist destination. In a word, Alexandria is a city to explore at random.
Tourism in Alexandria means exploring the archaeological sites of the ancient times or sunbathing on the tranquil beaches. Discover the fascinating world preserved in the libraries and museums of the city or dance the night away in the nightclubs and discos. Where else will you get such a combination between old and new?
Visit the Graeco-Roman Museum, Pompey's Pillar, the Roman Amphitheatre, Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa and discover the real history. Al-Shatby Necropolis, the tombs of Al-Anfushi and Mustafa Kamel will tell you those intriguing tales of power, ambition and destruction. The Fort of Qaitbay, the mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas, Al-Montazah Palace stand as witnesses of history’s greatest examples of architectural splendor.
There are golden sun-kissed beaches stretching from east to west where you can spend a perfect laid-back afternoon. The beaches of Maamura, Montaza Assafra, Miamy, Sidi Bishr, San Stefano, Ibrahimia and Shatby lie along the seafront boulevard.
Tourism in Alexandria means more. So, come and explore Alexandria, the desert city and its saga.History of Alexandria
Alexandria is the shining pearl of the Mediterranean, and the beacon radiating its culture and heritage to the world at large. It is the second largest city and the main port of Egypt, History of Alexandria tells us that Alexandria was founded by the Macedonian leader Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Alexandria. It was built by the Greek architect Dinocrates (332-331 BC) on the site of an old village, Rhakotis, at the orders of Alexander the Great. History of Alexandria can be divided into several epochs.
Alexandria during the Ptolemies
Alexandria was the renowned capital of the Ptolemies, with numerous monuments. History of Alexandria took a tragic turn at the time of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Octavian.
In a struggle with the other successors to Alexander, his general, Ptolemy (later Ptolemy I of Egypt) succeeded in bringing Alexander's body to Alexandria, where it became a famous tourist destination for ancient travelers (including Julius Caesar).As the seat of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt, the city of Alexandria became one of the greatest cities of the Hellenistic world only second to Rome in size and wealth. One of the earliest well-known inhabitants of Alexandria during the Ptolemaic reign was the geometer and number-theorist Euclid.
Roman reign in Alexandria
History of Alexandria states that the city passed formally under Roman jurisdiction in 80 BC. Julius Caesar dallied with Cleopatra in Alexandria in 47 BC, saw Alexander's body and was mobbed by the rabble. From the time of annexation onwards, Alexandria seems to have regained its old prosperity, commanding an important granary of Rome. This fact led Augustus to place it directly under imperial power. Even as its main historical importance had formerly sprung from pagan learning, Alexandria acquired fresh importance as a centre of Christian theology and church government.
Post-Roman history of Alexandria
In 616, Alexandria was taken by Khosrau II, King of Persia. In 641 the Arabs captured it decisively after a siege that lasted fourteen months. During this age, Alexandria faced a lot of destruction. The library and its contents were destroyed in 642 during the war. The Lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century, and by 1700 the city was just a small town among the ruins. Later Mohammed Ali, the Turkish Governor of Egypt, began rebuilding the city around 1810, and by 1850 and Alexandria got back its former glory. In July 1954, the city was a target of an Israeli firebomb campaign.
In spite of the disastrous history of Alexandria, the city, immortalizing Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political, and economic metropolis, the remains of which are still evident to this day.Festivals and Events in Alexandria
Every country has their own share of Festivals and Events and these festivals and events are born out of the cultural mix of the country. There are a number of festivals in a particular yearly calendar. Certain festivals are purely seasonal while some are celebrated to commemorate some great event in the past or some have religious connotations. Those marked days in the calendar are days of fun and happiness and all communities come together to make the festival or events a grand success. The city of Alexandria in Egypt apart from its history and royal grandeur has incorporated many Festival and Events which are not only important from the point of view of the locals but are getting recognized among the international tourists alike.
The Festivals and Events in Alexandria are celebrations of life. They are the mediums through which people dedicate their feelings, their love their respects to the particular cause of celebration. The Events in Alexandria refer to any activity of social or cultural importance. They generally gather in large numbers and the festivals and event days are practically celebrated as holidays in Alexandria. Road side stalls are set up which sell drinks, foods and all kinds of related merchandise. The people feel proud in taking part in all the related events and competitions that take place at the time of a festival and are a great way to take a break from the humdrum affairs of regular life.
The Festivals and Events in Alexandria aim at spreading the message of togetherness and peace and therefore are extremely close to everyone's heart. Certain events like the Alexandria International Marathon is arranged for an entirely unique cause- to make the people conscious of health and run for a social cause.
Sightseeing in Alexandria
Sightseeing in Alexandria can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, for here is a place which is a curious blend of the ancient and the modern. Alexandria offers the best of the both worlds - from history, heritage, culture to adventure, dining and shopping - Alexandria is amazing all the way.
Alexandria wears the crown of being the second largest city in Egypt and is aptly known as The Pearl of the Mediterranean. The city has an air about it that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. The ambience and cultural heritage, along with an exotic Orient flavor, is truly captivating and attracts travelers from all over the world.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of the Graeco-Roman Egypt. This was also the center of learning in the ancient world.
From the 19th c, Alexandria became the focus for Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion. The city came to be known as the city of commerce and cosmopolitanism. Alexandria, apart from its historical heritage, is rich in its natural beauty, beautiful sites and entertainment options. No wonder, it has evolved as an ideal tourist destination.
A sightseeing trip in Alexandria involves exploring the rare archaeological sights of the ancient times. Discover the fascinating world preserved in the libraries and the museums of the city. Here, you will encounter the history buried under the oblivions of Time, here you will visit the sites laden with memories from the past. Alexandria will remind you of its historical richness every moment.
Visit the Graeco-Roman Museum, Pompey's Pillar, the Roman Amphitheatre, Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa and witness the grandeur and glory of the past. Visit Al-Shatby Necropolis, the tombs of Al-Anfushi and Mustafa Kamel and you will still hear the footsteps of history. The Fort of Qaitbay, the mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas, Al-Montazah Palace stand as witnesses of history's greatest examples of architectural splendor. Let the past intrigue in all its form.
Getting There
The mystical land of Egypt has beckoned travelers from all around the world since time immemorial. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and a very beautiful place to holiday. This city boasts of some exotic historical monuments and places which are worth watching. Alexandria enjoys good air connectivity with major destinations across the globe.
Getting to Alexandria in Egypt by Air is no problem at all. Being one of the prime locations in the Egyptian tourist map, Alexandria receives good air traffic at its international and domestic airports.
You can fly to Alexandria from most of the African, Asian, European and North American cities. The airports of Alexandria are served by some of the fist class flights from different locations around the world. One can also reach Alexandria by flying to Cairo and then opt for a connecting flight from Cairo to Alexandria.
You can also reach Alexandria via sea, rail or bus route.Hotels in Alexandria
