Alexandria, Egypt
The second largest city and the main port of Egypt, Alexandria was built by the Greek architect Dinocrates (332-331 BC) on the site of an old village, Rhakotis, at the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalizing Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cutural, intellectual, political, and economic metropolis, the remains of which are still evident to this day.
It was the renowned capital of the Ptolemies, with numerous monuments. It was the site of the Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the Great Library. It was along these shores that history took a tragic turn at the time of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Octavian.
Alexandria lies north-west of the Nile delta and stretches along a narrow land strip between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariut (Mareotis). It is linked to Cairo by two major highways and a railroad line. It is one of the most notable summer resorts in the Middle East, for, in addition to its temperate winters, its beaches, with white sands and magnificent scenery, stretch for 140 km along the Mediterranean Sea, from Abu Qir, in the east to Al-Alamein and Sidi Abdul Rahman, in the west.
Must-see sights include
The Graeco-Roman Museum:
Houses many collections of rare Greek and Roman relics and coins - about 40 thousand pieces, from the Third Century B.C. to the Seventh Century AD, including the "Tanagra" collection. The museum also houses the pieces recovered in 1995 at the Lighthouse site.
Pompey's Pillar
Mistakenly named so in the Middle Ages, this granite pillar is over 25 meters high. Built amidst the ruins of the Serapium in AD 297 AD in honor of Emperor Diocletian, it is the most prominent remaining Greek landmark in Alexandria.
The Roman Amphitheatre
Located downtown at Kom al-Dikkah the Roman amphitheatre is considered unique in Egypt. Discovered only in the early 1960's while laying the foundation of a new building, the amphitheatre has twelve semi-circular marble tiers in remarkably good condition.
The Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa
This is the largest Roman cemetery in Alexandria. It is composed of three levels cut 30 meters deep into the existing rock. Dating to the beginning of the Second Century AD, it is a blend of Pharaonic and Roman art.
Al-Shatby Necropolis
Constructed along the lines of the old Greek houses, the necropolis includes a doorway, corridor, and two chambers. It dates back to the Third Century BC, and lies north of Collège St. Marc.
The Tombs of Al-Anfushi
These five Ptolemic tombs, from the early Third Century BC, were only discovered in AD 1901. They were cut into the existing rock and belong to Greek-Egyptians.
The Tombs of Mustafa Kamel (Rushdy)
These four subterranean rock-hewn tombs, date back to the Second Century BC. Influenced by Ancient Egyptian style, they are distinguished by their bright colors and relief inscriptions that describe the daily activities and religious beliefs of the deceased.
The Fort of Qaitbay
Erected on the northern tip of the Eastern Port on the site of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria, the fort design is influenced by both medieval architecture as well as by the lighthouse original layout. The fort also houses the Naval Museum.
The Beaches
There are many sandy beaches stretching from east to west: Maamura - Montaza - Assafra - Miamy - Sidi Bishr - San Stefano - Glym - Stanley - Rushdy - Sidi Gaber - Sporting - Ibrahimia - and Shatby; all of which lie along the seafront boulevard, the "Corniche". On the western perimeter lie Al-Bitash and Hanoville beaches.
Al-Alamein
Site of the famous WWII Alamein battle, this beach also houses a WWII military museum.
Diving:
Alexandria now offers one of the most interesting diving experiences in the world. Unlike the Red Sea, Alexandria does not have beautiful coral reefs or colourful fishes. Diving in Alexandria is a dive into history. Whole cities, palaces and boats lie in shallow water just off the Alexandrian shore. Although some of the important statues of queens and kings were extracted from underwater; some 7000 Monuments belonging to the Pharaonic and Roman dynasties are preserved underwater.
For all wrecks lover, Alexandria offers you wrecks of ships and cities dating back to 300 BC. Most of the underwater monuments are located in Abu Keer Gulf where whole cities still exist, including a huge sphynx.
Aminotheese City: a whole city with its temples, houses, statues and enormous number of handmade craft. The Goddess Isis used to be worshiped in this city.
Heraliqueon City (The Sins City): This city witnessed the Pharos, Batalmeese, and Bezantic era. It was the Pilgrims City where people come to worship the Goddess Isis. Nobody knows why it is called the Sins City.
Cleopatra's city: This city dates back to 300 BC, and was build by Alexander the Great. It is a complete city with palaces, monuments and even shipwrecks.
Cleopatra Palace: is located inside the Western Port of Alexandria. You will enjoy seeing Cleopatra's royal districts, the statue of Mark Anthony and other monuments. Moreover another spot for diving is the debris of Cleopatra's sun boat and the wreckage of a 2nd World War plane that exists inside Cleopatra's palace.
Quaitabay Fort: There are 3 spots below Quaitbay Fort. The first one is the wreckage of a boat that used to carry goods to Alexandria during Cleopatra's era. The second is the remains of a Roman shipwreck that also used to carry goods to Alexandria. It is located about 650 metres away from Quaitbay Fort. The third spot is another wreckage of a ship that also used to carry goods during Cleopatra's era. It is located 450 metres from Quaitbay Fort.
Alexandria is a cosmopolitan resort that has attracted holidaymakers for centures. There are many hotels and restaurants to suit all budgets and the cuisine there is rightly famous.
Weather:
Alexandria is a year round resort with mild winters and hot summers
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
21.2 23.0 20.9 25.9 31.7 33.2 36.2 35.6 33.0 28.4 24.9 20.6
7.5 9.7 8.8 11.7 15.1 18.8 22.1 22.2 20.0 16.4 11.2 10.6
Getting There:
British Mediterranean (0870 511 1666; Website, operated by British Airways, flies direct to Alexandria twice a week. Egyptair (020 7734 2343; Website, ) flies to Cairo but flight connections on to Alexandria can only be made the following day; otherwise there's a bus, which takes about two hours.
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Alexandria is a fantastic stop on a multi-centre visit to Egypt. It has a real Mediterranean flavour to it. Visibility on the dives can be low but they are an unforgettable and unique experience.
Ancient Secrets in Dirty Water
Alexandria, September 2007 - by Hilary Howarth
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