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Alexandria Egypt “The Bride of the Mediterranean Sea”

Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt with a population of 5.172 million people. It is the major center of the international shipping industry because it is an easy connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.

Alexandria Location

It is located about 32 km along the cost of the Mediterranean Sea in Northern Egypt. The latitude of Alexandria is 31.205753 and the longitude is 29.924526.

What is Alexandria Famous For?

It is a very famous city because of the amazing Lighthouse, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Serapis, the citadel of Qaitbey, Pompey’s Pillar, and the magnificent Alexandria Library.

Alexandria Climate

The best time to go to Alexandria is in spring or in autumn as summer in Alexandria can be somehow hot and winter becomes chilly. Spring is the busiest season with tourists. June, July, August, and September are the hottest seasons in Alexandria and January is the coldest season. August and January are the coolest seasons. The average temperature is 20°C in the daytime.

Alexandria History

Alexander the Great is the one who founded Alexandria in 331 B.C. After conquering Syria, he swept down into Egypt with his army and founded Alexandria in a small port town. Alexander turned it to be a great capital as he is the one who has designed the plan for the city. Alexander left Alexandria to his commander, Cleomenes, to build the city. After the establishing of great places, the Ptolemaic Dynasty began in 332 BC. Ptolemy adds legitimacy to his rule by acquiring Alexander’s body after his death in Egypt.

The city grew to be the largest cities in the world, attracting scholars, scientists, tourists, philosophers, artists, and historians. Many genius scientists appeared from Egypt just like Archimedes (287-212 BCE) and Eratosthenes (c.276-194 BCE).

Historical Sites and Landmarks in Alexandria

Pompey’s Pillar: is the best known ancient monument in Alexandria today. This column of red Aswan Granite rises to the height of 27 m.
The Catacombs: they date back to the second century A.D. They are gorgeous examples for the Greco-Roman styles. Inside you can see the main burial chamber and the Sepulchral chapel.
Temple of Taposiris Magna: it was dedicated to Osiris in the Ptolemy era. This temple is located in Abusir. It is evidence that sacred animals were worshiped in Alexandria.
The Library of Alexandrina: it is the most impressive library all over the world as it contains a copy from each written book all over the world. It also includes a giant sun disk, a huge reading room, and a host of gorgeously well-designed museums.
The Citadel of Qaitbey: it was once the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This fort was established by Mamluke Sultan Qaitbey.
Alexandria National Museum: it is the best place if you want to know everything about the Pharaonic era to the Hellenistic heyday.
Corniche: it is just like any other monument in Alexandria that stands for all that’s elegant and decadent that marked the city in the late of the 19th and the early of the 20th
Kom El-Dikka: it reveals the ancient ruins including a great Roman theatre and the Ptolemaic Temple.
Montazak Gardens: it is like heavens on earth with its palm trees and blossoming flowers. At the end of this magical garden, there is a small beach so that you enjoy the most.
Ras El-Tin Palace: it was one a summer escape for the Egyptians sultans when the heat of the desert was unbearable. Today the Egyptian navy uses the palace.
Abu Al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque: it is dedicated to the 13th-century saint Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi that is located in the Anfoushi and was highly influenced by Egypt’s buildings and architecture.
The Roman Theater: it is located at Kom El-Deika that dates back to the second century A.D.
Religions Landmarks in Alexandria

Islamic Landmarks in Alexandria

El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque in Bahary is the most famous mosque in Alexandria. There are other remarkable mosques in Alexandria such as Bilal mosque, Ali Ibn Abi Taleb mosque, Sidi Gaber mosque, and sultan mosque.

Christianity Landmarks in Alexandria

Alexandria was considered the third most important feature of Christianity. The Church of Alexandria had legal authority over the whole African continent.

Pope Cyril, I Church in Cleopatra, Saint Georges Church in Sporting, Saint Mark & Pope Peter I Church in Sidi Bishr, Saint Mary Church in Assafra and Saint Mina Church in Mandara are considered to be the most important Coptic Orthodox churches in Alexandria.

Best Activities to do in Alexandria

There are many interesting things to do in Alexandria just like visiting its superb Alexandria Library, the exquisite catacombs to see the iconic mummies of Egypt, the beautiful Mamoura beach, Alexandria Opera House, Deir Mar Mina, the stunning Pompey’s Pillar, experience the royal life by visiting the Montazah Palace Gardens, and definitely the recherché Citadel of Qaitbey, and many more that you can do during your Egypt tour packages.