The city of Alexandria sprawls along the Mediterranean coast of northern Egypt for over 30 kilometres and is located in the north-western region of the Nile delta, 220 kilometres north of Cairo. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, Alexandria is the largest seaport in Egypt and the second largest city in the country with a population of over 4 million. Established as the capital of Egypt under Alexander the Great in the 4th century, Alexandria is today a busy city and recognised as a major commercial and industrial centre. The city is also a popular tourist destination due to its rich cultural heritage which covers over 2,000 years, its nearby fine beaches, and the enjoyable weather which is described as Mediterranean, meaning that generally the weather is warm and dry. Alexandria, or Alex as it is fondly called, provides visitors with an interesting range of attractions and experiences to make your holiday memorable, and offers a large variety of hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars.
The city of Alexandria is easily explored either by taxi or tram with little walking involved and can be comprehensively seen within a few days. Major attractions include the ancient Roman ruins of Kom el-Dikka, the fascinating Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the 15th century Qaitbay Citadel, and of course the 3 kilometre long Corniche which is lined with attractive art-deco buildings and hotels. The Corniche follows the edge of the old Eastern Harbour and visitors can take a walk along this popular esplanade and enjoy the sea breezes and the seafood restaurants, or visit the impressive 15th century Citadel of Qaitbay which dominates the coastline. It was in the vicinity of the Eastern Harbour that much of ancient Alexandria was built, and today this area is being explore and excavated, and many artefacts are being recovered from the watery depths. The site of the Citadel of Qaitbay was once the location of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria, a legendary lighthouse that reached an estimated 125 metres in height and which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Driving around the city is another way to explore this exciting destination, and is an experience in itself. If you do take this option, ask your driver to point out such attractions as Pompey’s Pillar, the statue of Mohammed Ali in Midan el-Tahir, the old stock exchange and the law courts, the El Montazah Palace and the picturesque Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque. If you are staying a few days make sure you visit the Zinqat as-Sittat Market, also known as the Attarine Souk, which is a maze of little streets too narrow for cars and full of local colour, antique shops and boutiques. Or for a more in-depth view visit the Alexandria National Museum which provides a great overview of Alexandria and Egypt from the prehistoric to the Pharaonic times, the Graeco-Roman Museum which offers exhibits from Alexandria between the period 300 B.C. and 300 A.D., the Royal Jewelry Museum and maybe the small but interesting Maritime Museum and possibly the Alexandria Aquarium, both of which can be found near the Qaitbay Citadel.
If you have a little time and are a mad historian, perhaps you would like to visit the U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site of the Christian holy city Abu Mena which is located approximately 45 kilometres south-west of Alexandria. The site is in a poor condition but covers the whole town which includes the church, baptistery, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses and workshops.
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