Alexandrie

Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city, extends along the Mediterranean coast, offering an atmosphere distinct from the country's more ancient, inland sites. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, it was once a beacon of Hellenistic culture and learning, home to the Great Library and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, the city presents a fascinating blend of its layered past—Pharaonic, Hellenic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic—with a thriving modern identity.

While much of ancient Alexandria rests beneath the contemporary city or submerged in its harbor, its spirit of intellectual curiosity and cosmopolitanism endures. The city's Corniche, a lively waterfront promenade, invites leisurely walks with views of the Mediterranean. Alexandria offers a different facet of Egypt, one that speaks of empires, scholars, and a continuous dialogue between cultures.

From Ancient Grandeur to Modern Metropolis

Alexandria's story begins in 331 BCE when Alexander the Great founded the city with a vision to be the capital of his Egyptian dominion and a naval base to control the Mediterranean. Designed by his personal architect, Dinocrates, the city quickly gained renown for its Hellenic planning and architecture. After Alexander's death, his viceroy, Ptolemy I Soter, established the Ptolemaic Dynasty, making Alexandria its capital. Under the Ptolemies, Alexandria flourished, becoming a major Mediterranean center for trade and a leading hub for Greek scholarship and science. It drew scholars like Euclid and Archimedes and was home to the Library of Alexandria and the Mouseion, a research institute. The city also had a significant Jewish population and a learning center where the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament was produced.

Alexandria maintained its status as a prominent city for nearly a millennium, serving as the Egyptian capital until the Arab conquest in 642 CE. During this period, it played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Hellenic culture and was a center for early Christian history, establishing the Coptic Church. However, the city experienced a decline starting in the 16th century, partly due to new sea routes to India that reduced its importance in international trade. By the time Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1798, Alexandria had been reduced to a small Ottoman port.

The 19th century marked a resurgence for Alexandria, as it grew into a center for the cotton industry and welcomed enterprising foreigners, becoming one of the most animated ports on the Mediterranean. This era left a legacy of Art Deco buildings and European-style boulevards. Today, Alexandria is a bustling metropolis of over 5 million people, Egypt's principal seaport, and a city where the ancient and modern coexist, continually revealing new archaeological finds beneath its streets.

Begin at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a striking modern library and cultural center that pays homage to its ancient predecessor. It houses millions of books, museums, and exhibitions. Explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, an intriguing underground burial site dating back to the 2nd century AD, displaying a unique fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles.

Visit Pompey's Pillar, a colossal Roman triumphal column dedicated to Emperor Diocletian, standing amidst the remains of the ancient Serapeum complex. Wander through Kom el-Dikka, where you can see the remains of a Roman amphitheater with well-preserved mosaics, Roman baths, and villas. The Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress, stands on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse and offers expansive views of the Mediterranean. Walk along the Alexandria Corniche, the city's waterfront promenade, to experience local life and enjoy the sea breeze. For a touch of royal history, visit Montaza Park, which includes the Montaza Palace, a former summer residence.

The best times to visit Alexandria are during spring (March to May/June) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C during the day, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city's coastal attractions. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Winter (December to February) is also mild, but less suitable for swimming and can be the rainy season.

Alexandria is generally considered safe for travelers, with a lower crime rate than Cairo, though petty theft and scams can occur. It is advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and women travelers should dress modestly and use trusted transportation options. The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), abbreviated as E£ or ج.م. While major establishments accept cards, cash is commonly used, and it's recommended to carry both. ATMs are widely available in the city, but currency exchange offices require a physical passport.

Getting around Alexandria is possible via a developed public transportation network, including buses, minibuses, and trams, some of which are double-deckers. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps are also an option. For inter-city travel, trains and buses connect Alexandria to other major Egyptian cities like Cairo. Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) serves Alexandria with international flights.