Alexandria: Egypt’s Mediterranean Jewel

 Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Alexandria

1. Bibliotheca Alexandrina

   • Description: The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, opened in 2002, stands as a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was the largest and most famous library of antiquity. The new library is an architectural marvel with a stunning elliptical design, featuring a massive granite wall engraved with scripts from 120 different languages. The complex houses millions of books, a planetarium, several museums, and research centers.
   • Historical Background: The ancient Library of Alexandria was founded during the reign of Ptolemy I or Ptolemy II in the 3rd century BCE and was renowned for its vast collection of manuscripts. It was a center for learning where scholars from around the Mediterranean gathered to study subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, literature, and philosophy. The destruction of the ancient library is shrouded in mystery, with multiple theories suggesting it was lost due to fires during Roman times or gradual neglect.

2. Citadel of Qaitbay

   • Description: The Citadel of Qaitbay, located on the eastern tip of Alexandria’s harbor, is a majestic 15th-century fortress that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It was constructed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay in 1477 CE on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, which had been destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century. The citadel features massive walls, defensive towers, and a beautiful interior courtyard.
   • Historical Background: The Pharos Lighthouse, which stood on the same site, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was constructed around 280 BCE during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. It served as a guide for sailors navigating the treacherous waters near the coast of Alexandria. The Citadel of Qaitbay, built to defend Alexandria from potential attacks by the Ottoman Turks, played a crucial role in protecting Egypt’s northern coastline for centuries.

3. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

   • Description: The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are a series of underground tombs and burial chambers that date back to the 2nd century CE, during the Roman period. The catacombs are renowned for their fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. Visitors descend into three levels of tombs, where they can see intricate carvings, statues, and sarcophagi, as well as the Hall of Caracalla, which contains the bones of horses and humans.
   • Historical Background: These catacombs are a testament to Alexandria’s multiculturalism during the Roman period. The tombs were rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell into one of the underground chambers. The catacombs are believed to have been the final resting place of a wealthy Alexandrian family, and the blend of artistic styles reflects the city’s diverse influences.

4. Pompey’s Pillar

   • Description: Pompey’s Pillar is a towering granite column, standing nearly 30 meters tall, located on the ruins of the ancient Serapeum temple complex. Despite its name, the column has no connection to the Roman general Pompey. It was erected in honor of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 297 CE to commemorate his victory over a rebellion in Alexandria.
   • Historical Background: The Serapeum was a temple dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis and was one of the most important religious sites in ancient Alexandria. It was destroyed in the 4th century CE during the rise of Christianity, as pagan temples were often targeted by early Christian zealots. The column remains one of the few remnants of the temple complex and stands as a symbol of Alexandria’s rich Roman heritage.

5. Montaza Palace and Gardens

   • Description: The Montaza Palace is a royal palace set within lush gardens that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the early 20th century by Khedive Abbas II, the last khedive of Egypt, the palace features a unique architectural blend of Ottoman and Florentine styles. Today, the palace gardens are open to the public and offer a peaceful escape, with walking paths, exotic plants, and stunning sea views.
   • Historical Background: The Montaza Palace was constructed as a summer residence for Egypt’s royal family. In the 1950s, after the Egyptian Revolution and the abolition of the monarchy, the palace became state property. Although the palace itself is not open to visitors, the surrounding gardens have become a popular recreational space for both locals and tourists.

6. Alexandria National Museum

   • Description: The Alexandria National Museum is housed in a beautifully restored Italian-style palace and showcases more than 1,800 artifacts that tell the story of Alexandria from its Pharaonic beginnings to the modern era. The museum’s collection includes statues, jewelry, pottery, and coins from the Hellenistic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods.
   • Historical Background: Opened in 2003, the museum highlights Alexandria’s role as a cultural crossroads for millennia. The museum’s basement contains fascinating relics from the city’s underwater archaeology projects, which have uncovered parts of the ancient city submerged by the Mediterranean Sea over the centuries.

7. Roman Amphitheatre of Kom El Dikka

   • Description: The Roman Amphitheatre at Kom El Dikka is the only known Roman theater in Egypt. Dating back to the 2nd century CE, the amphitheater features thirteen rows of marble seating that could accommodate around 800 spectators. Nearby are the remains of Roman baths, lecture halls, and a well-preserved residential area.
   • Historical Background: The Roman Amphitheatre was discovered in the 1960s during excavation work in central Alexandria. It was likely used for public performances and meetings during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The surrounding area, Kom El Dikka, was once the heart of the Greco-Roman quarter of the city, reflecting Alexandria’s significance during the Roman Empire.

8. Royal Jewelry Museum

   • Description: The Royal Jewelry Museum is located in the former palace of Princess Fatma Al-Zahraa, a member of Egypt’s royal family. The museum houses an extensive collection of royal jewelry, gemstones, and other opulent objects once owned by the ruling family. Highlights include diamond-encrusted crowns, jeweled tiaras, and intricately designed watches and swords.
   • Historical Background: After the Egyptian Revolution in 1952, many royal palaces were converted into public museums. The Royal Jewelry Museum opened in 1986 and offers visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Egypt’s monarchy before the establishment of the republic.

9. Stanley Bridge

   • Description: Stanley Bridge is a modern landmark of Alexandria, stretching over the Mediterranean along Corniche Road. Its elegant, four-towered design, combined with stunning sea views, makes it a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The bridge offers picturesque scenes, especially during sunset, and is lined with cafes and restaurants.
   • Historical Background: Completed in 2001, Stanley Bridge is part of Alexandria’s urban modernization efforts. While not ancient, it reflects the city’s blend of old and new, as Alexandria continues to expand and modernize while preserving its historical charm.

10. Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque

• Description: The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is Alexandria’s largest mosque and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Built in the 18th century over the tomb of the 13th-century Andalusian Sufi saint Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, the mosque features a grand domed structure with minarets and intricately decorated walls.
• Historical Background: Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi was a revered Sufi scholar who lived in Alexandria during the Mamluk period. His teachings had a profound influence on Islamic spirituality in Egypt. The mosque, which attracts worshippers and visitors alike, stands as a testament to Alexandria’s deep religious and cultural history.

Conclusion

Alexandria is a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern vibrancy. From the towering ruins of the Pharos Lighthouse to the serene gardens of Montaza Palace, the city offers a wide range of attractions that reflect its importance throughout the centuries. Visitors to Alexandria can explore the remnants of its Hellenistic, Roman, and Islamic past while enjoying the dynamic coastal atmosphere of the Mediterranean. Each of the city’s top attractions offers a unique insight into Alexandria’s multi-layered history, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both cultural enrichment and scenic beauty.