Alexandria The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria holds a fascinating place in Egypt’s history.

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria holds a fascinating place in Egypt’s history. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, it was a focal point of learning for the Mediterranean and was the capital of Egypt until the 4^th century. Queen Cleopatra made Alexandria the seat of her throne and in the 19^th century, Napoleon brought the declining city back to life, reviving it as a major port. Extending approximately 32 kilometres along the coast of the Mediterranean and only three kilometres wide, this charming waterfront city is embracing its new identity as Egypt’s modern and cultural centre.

Once the largest and most significant library in the ancient world, the Great Library of Alexandria held 500,000 scrolls and books, including work by greats such as Socrates, Homer and Plato. At one point, it was the full-time home to 100 scholars who maintained, translated and copied the scrolls and conducted research. In one of the greatest tragedies of ancient history, its destruction occurred over 2,000 years ago. Stories of its decline vary between budget cuts and a great fire. Either way, it became a shadow of its former self.

Construction work on the New Library of Alexandria, or the Bibliotheca Alexandrina began in 1995 and was inaugurated in 2002. With shelf space for eight million books, the library features a conference centre, four museums, four art galleries and a planetarium. It is also home to a server which acts as an Internet Archive for every website created since the internet began. You can take an informative tour of the vast and modern library and many of the exhibitions and other connected buildings.

Stroll along the Corniche and enjoy the views out to sea from the waterfront promenade or take in a sunset overlooking the city from Stanley Bridge. Wander around the tranquil and extensive Montazah Palace Gardens; admire the distinguished looking palace from the grounds, built in 1932 as a summer retreat for King Faud I. See the Alexandria National Museum, one of Egypt’s finest museum’s and home to thousands of ancient artifacts. Housed in a white Italian-style mansion, it also includes a special underground chamber for the mummies and many items found during the archaeological underwater excavations of Alexandria.

Marvel at the Roman triumphal column of Pompey’s Pillar, one of the largest monolithic columns ever erected. It was constructed in 297 AD in honour of the Emperor Diocletian. Visit the beautiful Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, built in 1775 over the tomb of Spanish saint, Abu El Abbas El Mursi. Admire the beauty of the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Discovered in 1990, they are carved into the rock 100 feet underground and are thought to have been constructed in the 2^nd century AD.