History

Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt, and it boasts the largest seaport. It was named for its founder, Alexander the Great, and built at his bequest by Greek architect Dinocrates around 332 BC on the site of an old village called Rhakotis. The city quickly flourished as a prominent metropolis, hosting the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Bibliotheca Alexandria, a famous learning center that housed the biggest book collection in ancient times. Notable residents include Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Euclid.

Alexandria was the seat of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt, and one of the greatest cities in the Hellenistic world. It lost its status as capital, however, once Cairo was founded by Egypt ’s medieval Islamic rulers. After that Alexandria fell into a long period of decline. In the early 20th century the city regained some of its status as it became a popular vacation spot for wealthy Europeans. Today, Alexandria is Egypt’s primary port, as well as a thriving commercial and industrial center.

The European heyday in Alexandria (such as that found in Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet) came to an abrupt end and by the Second World War the city had seen most of its foreigners depart permanently. The wartime film Ice Cold In Alex has put the city's name into celluloid history, but that does little to recommend Alexandria as a tourist destination. 

It is a good base for those that want to visit the war graves at El Alamein. It is also the main cruise port in Egypt and many visitors pass through and prefer to do a day trip to Cairo.

Modern Alexandria is a city of variety. It is a long, narrow city strung out along the Meditteranean Sea, Fort Qait Bey near the site of the original lighthouse was rebuilt and is preserved in its empty state. It offers views across the bay and along the Corniche sea-front. Most of the city's high-rise buildings are on the Corniche as so many people want to be near the sea.  Most of the buildings even though they might be quite new have shutters and seem quite old in appearance. 

But there is more to Alexandria if you look further than first impressions. There are historic mosques as well as remains of ancient Greek and Roman period remains, many of which have been discovered only in the 20th century. You can visit tombs and catacombs or the Roman amphitheatre. These historical sites are rarely crowded.

There are several museums in the city of Alexandria where you can take in the history of the city and the country. The former king's palace at Montazah is located within a large, lush green park. There are other parks and gardens in the city, although elusive at times.

One of the most famous new landmarks in Alexandria and one of the few truly moderm buildings in Alexandria is the library, Bibiloteca Alexandrina. No visit to Alexandria would be complete without stopping to admire the unusual building. Visitors are welcome inside.

The above is just a brief outline of what to expect in Alexandria. Welcome!