Founding and Historical Significance
Located 32 km from the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt after Cairo. Alexander the Great founded this remarkable city in 333 BC, making it the capital during Greek rule for over a thousand years until the Islamic conquest by Amr ibn al-As in 641 AD. The city’s designer, Dinocratis, planned Alexandria like a chessboard with two main streets running vertically and horizontally. During the Ptolemaic period, Alexandria emerged as a center of knowledge and housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Alexandria Library.
Iconic Monuments and Museums
Pompey’s Pillar stands as a prominent monument in Alexandria, built from red granite and standing about 28 meters high during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD). Visitors can also explore the National Museum of Alexandria, which opened in 2002 and showcases a collection of 1,800 items from various periods, including Pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic eras.
Significant Historical Sites
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a must-see in Alexandria, considered the most significant Greek and Roman necropolis in Egypt, dating back to the second century AD. The Roman Amphitheater, another popular site, was discovered by accident when workers clearing land for government buildings uncovered ancient columns, revealing the monument beneath.
Qaitbay Citadel and El Montazah Palace
The Qaitbay Citadel, one of Alexandria’s greatest monuments, was erected on the site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay constructed the citadel in 1480 AD to protect the city. El Montazah Garden and Palace, highly recommended for visitors, offers a range of sea activities such as boating, water skiing, diving, and snorkeling. Khedive Abbas II Helmy decided to build his palace in this location after recognizing its stunning views and pleasant atmosphere.
Wadi El Natron: A Christian Heritage Site
Wadi El Natron played a significant role in ancient Egypt as a source of natron salt and gained importance during early Christianity in Egypt. Today, it remains a center for many monasteries dating back to the fourth century AD.
