Alexandria
Pearl of the Mediterranean
General Information
Other Name: -, District: Alexandria, State: Urban Region, Egypt
Area: 2679 km²
Languages Spoken: Arabic
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: November to February and Late Sep-Late Oct
International Access: -
Description
The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambiance and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is only 225 km. from Cairo.It is home to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (the new Library of Alexandria), and is an important industrial center because of its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez.Alexandria was one of the most famous cities in the world.Alexandria is a main summer resort in the Middle East, visited by people from all other cities to enjoy the sun and the sea.There are both public beaches and private beaches.Location
225 km. from CairoClimate
Mediterranean climate mild rainy winter, hot humid summers.
The church, baptistry, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses and workshops in this early Christian holy city were built over the tomb of the martyr Menas of Alexandria, who died in A.D. 296.
A notable building to be seen here is the Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi Mosque, built in 1796 over the tomb of the 13th century holy man Abu el-Abbas, who is much revered in Alexandria.
Southwest of Pompey''s Pillar, near the small El-Miri Mosque, is this entrance to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa ("Hill of Potsherds"), hewn from the rock on the southern slopes of a hill, which probably date from the A.D. second century and offer an admirable example of the characteristic Alexandrian fusion of the Egyptian and Graeco-Roman styles.
The catacombs, which may have been the burial place of a particular religious community, were discovered in 1900.
The catacombs, which may have been the burial place of a particular religious community, were discovered in 1900.
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is also known as the Church of Egypt. According to tradition, the apostle Mark established this church in the middle of the 1st century roughly around 42 AD.More than 95% of Egypt''s Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.
The Corniche is a road that runs along the eastern harbour of Alexandria and is the perfect place for a waterfront stroll. There are several restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. A stroll down the Corniche also brings you to several of Alexandria''s main attractions (some of which are described further below) like the Ramla square, Cavafi Museum, The Roman amphitheatre, the Attarine District (for shopping) and the Tahrir (liberation) Square. Treat yourself to a Brazilian coffee, a bubbly pipe or a hot glass of tea in some of Alexandria''s wonderful cafes.In a side street opening off the wide treelined Sharia el-Horreya we find the important Graeco-Roman Museum. Most of its collection comes from Alexandria itself, mainly from tombs ranging in date between 300 B.C. and A.D. 300.
In the southeast of the city the beautiful Nuzha Gardens incorporate a small Zoo.
In the southwest of the city, near the large Arab cemetery, is a hill littered with the remains of ancient walls, architectural fragments and rubble on which stands Alexandria''s largest ancient monument, Pompey''s Pillar, rising from the ruins of the ancient and famous Serapeion (Temple of Serapis).