Alexandria, the mermaid of the Mediterranean sea, is not only an Egyptian city on the sea shore, a trade port or a beautiful tourist coastal city, above all, it has a significant historical, cultural and civilization symbols.
Alexandria was established by Alexander the Great and designed by the architect "Denokrates" in 332 B.C.
Alexandria is Egypt's gate throughout history for openness and communication with Europe and countries of the Mediterranean Sea Basin. Alexandria was, and still is, a prominent cultural beacon for knowledge seekers and the history of its famous library- whose revival is underway- tells the story of the dawn of culture, enlightenment and creation.
Tourist Attractions
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 very tall minaret.
The beaches
There are many sandy beaches stretching from east to west: Ma'amura- Montazah- Mandara- Assafra- Miami- Sidi Bishr- San Stefano- Glymonopolou- Stanley- Rushdy- Sidi Gaber- Sporting- Ibrahimia and Shatby, all of which lie along the sea front boulevard, the Corniche.
On the western perimeter lie Al-Agami and Hannoville. All summer holiday areas are provided with tourist amenities services and recreation facilities and hotels.
Abu Kir Suburb
One of the calmest beaches, famous for fishing and its sea-food restaurants.
Al-Montazah Palace
Built on low plateau east of Alexandria and overlooking a beautiful beach, amid about 370 feddans of gardens and woods, the Palace comprises a number of buildings, the most important being Al-Haramlek, the summer residence of the former royal family, Palestine Hotel, the tourist hotel, was built in the gardens, while Al-Haramlek was turned into a luxury hotel.
The Montazah Palace Gardens
These gardens cover an area of 370 feddans and contain trees, palms, and flowers. There is also a museum, several natural bays and beaches, as well as complete tourist centre, a hotel, restaurants, bungalows and a children's park 4.5 feddans area.
The Antoniadis Gardens
They contain beautifully arranged trees and flowers, as well as several Grecko statues in marble and the Antoniadis palace.
The Shallalat Gardens
A central garden in the eastern part of the city centre, it is of a special character and is distinguished by its high and low levels and waterways. There is also the Alexandria Zoo.
Museums
The Royal Jewelry Museum
Originally the palace of Fatma al-Zahra'a in Zizinia, it is an architectural masterpiece. Its many rooms and halls contain many rare paintings, statues and decorations, as well as a priceless collection of jewels of the Mohammed Ali Dynasty.
The Museum of Fine Arts
Houses collections of sculptures, paintings, and architectural works. Exhibitions by contemporary foreign and Egyptian artists are often held there. Furthermore, the museum organises the Alexandria Biennial, every two years, to exhibit the arts of the Mediterranean countries.
The Hydrobiological Institute and Museum
Located at Al-Anfushi, near Qait Bey fortress, the museum houses a rare collection of fish and marine life.
The Graeco-Roman Museum:
Houses many collections of rare Greek and Roman relics and coins- about 40,000 pieces, from the 3rd century B.C. to the 7th century A.D.. The most important being the "Tanafra" statues.
The Alexandria University Conference Centre
The Alexandria Cultural Centre, in Al-Silsilah, over an area of 42,000 m2, comprises a conference centre, the Alexandria library, an open courtyard and a garage. The conference centre, on an area of 5,000 m2, has an overall seating capacity of 2672. There is large cafeteria to serve the main auditorium overlooking the sea. A smaller cafeteria caters to the other smaller halls.
The conference centre comprises:
The Main Auditorium, 1700 seats, is a large hall without any pillars to obstruct the view. It is a multi-purpose facility with a fully-equipped stage that allows for holding international and national scientific conferences and for staging plays, concerts, ballets, and operas. There are six separate booths equipped for simultaneous interpretation in six languages.
Three smaller halls: The first 400 seats, and the second and third, 286 each. Five separate booths for simultaneous interpretation are attached to each hall. All the halls are equipped with audio-visual aids, closed-circuit TV, air-conditioning, and direct-dial telephone services. Other facilities concern information, security, and parking areas.
Pompeii's Pillar
So named in the middle ages, it is a granite pillar, over 25 metres high, and built amidst the ruins of the Serapuim , in 297 A.D., in honour of Empror Diocletian.
The Roman Theatre
At Kom Al-Dekka, near the Graeco-Roman Museum, the theatre is considered unique in Egypt for it has 12 semi-circular marble tiers and the theatre is in good condition.
The Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa
This is the largest Roman cemetery. It is a three levels and cut in the rock to a depth of 100 feet. Dating back to the beginning of the 2nd century A.D., it is a blend of Pharaonic and Roman art.
The Tombs of Al-Anfushi
These five Ptolemic tombs, from the third century B.C., were discovered in 1901 A.D.
The Tombs of Mustafa Kamel (Rushdy)
These four subterranean rock-hewn tombs, from the 2nd century B.C., are distinguished by their bright colours and relief inscriptions that tell of the daily activities and religious beliefs of the deceased.
Al-Shatby Necropolis
Built along lines of the old Greek houses, it comprises a doorway, corridor and two chambers, it dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and lies north of Saint Mark's College.
Tourist Sites West of Alexandria
Sidi Kir
34 km west of Alexandria, it is a private beach (3-km-long), with a tourist village and a cafeteria.
Abu Mina
Lies 50 km to the west and dates back to the 4th century. Saint Mina was buried there after he was killed during the reign of Diocletian in 226 A.D.. It has a basillica 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.
King Mariut
About 34 km west of Alexandria, it is easily reached by rail, bus, car or taxis. It has a three-star hotel "The Desert Home", Tel. 981315- 981365 and a two-star Hotel "King Mariut", Tel. 981434. King Mariut is suitable as a health spa for those seeking rest and tranquillity.
Maraqia Tourist Village
About 52 km away and comprises bungalows, villas, and apartments, with all amenities and comfort. For Information and Reservations contact: Maraqia village, Tel. 991304/5.
Sidi Abdel Rahman Beach
About 127 km west of Alexandria, and 162 km before Matrouh, lies on a calm bay, about 25 km west of Alamein. It is characterised by excellent climate and clear transparent waters.
