It is written down in history, that the city of Alexandria in Egypt played a huge cultural and historic role for the country. It was the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt and once the seat of power of Queen Cleopatra.
Magnificent landmarks where built in the city including the Pharos Lighthouse – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Great Library. But alas, all these were gone. The grandeur that was once Alexandria vanished.
The grandeur that was once Alexandria
Fortunately, in the 19th century, reconstruction to the once mighty city was done. This time a mixture of European style was mixed with renaissance style.
Panoramic view of Alexandria, Egypt (1)
Current day Alexandria is now known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.” It is a collision and mixture of two great ancient cities: Greece and Egypt. Tourists are in for a treat once they set foot in Alexandria. There are interesting mosques and ancient structures that one would love to see.
OVERVIEW OF ALEXANDRIA
Alexandria, Egypt at night (2)
GEOGRAPHY
Alexandria has a total land area of 2,679 square kilometers making it the second largest city in the country. It lies along the Mediterranean Coast. This strategic location makes it an easy access for tourists and trade. Furthermore, being a coastal city it offers a good source for tourism.
CLIMATE
Generally the climate in Alexandria is hot. But due to winds from the Mediterranean Sea, temperatures could be cooler. The coldest months are from January to February with temperatures ranging from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius. It is common to experience storms during these months. On the other hand, the hottest and driest months are from July to August with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius.
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2013 the total population of the city reached more than 4.5 million. Due to historic influences there is a mixture of religious beliefs. The three predominant religions in the city include Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Important Islamic structures include El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque, Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, Bilal mosque, al-Gamaa al Bahari, Hatem mosque, and many more.
El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque (3)
As for Christians, Alexandria is the third most important city after Rome and Constantinople. Throughout the years a number of important architectures and structures were built.
Judaism is the least popular of the three bust still a number of citizens follow this practice. The most prominent synagogue is Eliyahu Hanvi Synagogue.
Eliyahu Hanvi Synagogue
TRANSPORTATION
The principal and most convenient port of entry and exit to Alexandria is via the airports. There are two airports within the city: Alexandria International Airport and Borg al Arab Airport.
Aside from flying one could try the railroad, tram, buses, taxis, minibuses, and vie sea port. Alexandria has four harbors: Western Harbor – for import and export trades, El Dekhiela Harbor, Eastern Harbor – fishing and yachting harbor, and Abu Qir Harbor – for commercial use.
Alexandria Harbor (4)
PLACES TO SEE AND VISIT
Two ancient structures: the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Library of Alexandria, are two of the greatest architectures ever built. It was the symbol of Alexandria’s greatness and triumph. Unfortunately these two structures were destroyed but its legacy will live on.
LIGHTHOUSE OF ALEXANDRIA
A drawing of the Lighthouse of Alexandria
The mighty Lighthouse of Alexandria or simply the Pharos of Alexandria was built between the years 280 to 247 BC. The height of the architecture reached 137 meters making it one of the tallest structures to be built during the time. Due to its magnificence it was included as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately two earthquakes hit the city in 966 and 1323 destroying the whole structure.
LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA
The Royal Library of Alexandria, also known as the Ancient Library of Alexandria was the largest and most important libraries during the ancient times. The library was built in honor of the nine Muses – goddesses of the arts. The building stood and served its purpose since the 3rd century BC until 30 BC during the Roman conquest. The library was burned during the Roman conquest. The collection of scrolls and books were all destroyed.
Do not be disheartened by the destruction of these important structures because overtime new building, landmarks, and architectures were built. These structures have attracted a number of tourists.
MONTAZA PALACE
Montaza Palace (5)
The Montaza Palace is a famous landmark of the city. The location of the palace overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
The first building in the palace was the Salamlek Palace which was built in 1892. It was the residence and hunting lodge of the king. In 1932 there was an expansion in the palace grounds and the Al-Haramlik Palace and royal gardens were added. This new addition incorporated Turkish and Florentine styles with a twist of Italian Renaissance tower.
Currently the Al-Montaza Park is an open public park and a forest reserve. The Al-Haramlik is a public museum. And the Salamlek Palace is a hotel.
CITADEL OF QAITBAY
Citadel of Qaitbay
During the 15th century a defensive fortress was built along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria. The fortress was named Citadel of Qaitbay or Fort of Qaitbay. It was built exactly at the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The function of the fortress was to protect the city against northern invaders. Currently the citadel serves as a Maritime Museum.
EL-MURSI ABUL –ABBAS MOSQUE
El-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque
Near the Citadel of Qaitbay one could find El-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque. The said mosque is the most important Islam architecture built in the city. It contains the tomb of the 13th century Alexandrine Sufi saint el-Mursi Abul Abbas.
BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
In commemoration of the Library of Alexandria, another library was built along the Mediterranean Coast: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The location was chosen due to its proximity to the old library. It is considered to be the main library and a cultural center.
The library contains books that are written in three different languages: Arabic, English, and French.
The library can hold ever eight million books on its eleven floor building. There are sections designed to hold maps, multimedia, a place for the blind and visually impaired, young people, and children. Aside from the library there is also a conference center, four museums, four art galleries, and a planetarium.
The library can hold ever eight million books on its eleven floor building. There are sections designed to hold maps, multimedia, a place for the blind and visually impaired, young people, and children. Aside from the library there is also a conference center, four museums, four art galleries, and a planetarium.
POMPEY’S PILLAR
Pompey’s Pillar
Another historic attraction in Alexandria is Pompey’s Pillar. This is a roman triumphal column located at Alexandria.
It was built in 297 AD as a memento of the Roman victory versus the Alexandrian revolt. It stands at a height of 26.85 meters and a width of 2.71 m.
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