Explore the unique history of Alexandria—from Roman catacombs and the Library of Alexandria’s legacy to the Citadel of Qaitbay and stunning Mediterranean views. Discover Egypt’s coastal beauty with My Egypt Travel.
🌊 Alexandria: Where History Meets the Waves
Alexandria is the great anomaly of Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, it was, for nearly a thousand years, a beacon of Hellenistic culture, a center of learning, and the stage for the dramatic lives of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony. Unlike the monumental sobriety of Cairo and Luxor, Alexandria is defined by the blue expanse of the Mediterranean and the lingering ghost of its cosmopolitan past.
For the American and European traveler, Alexandria offers a refreshing counterpoint to the Nile Valley—a vibrant, cultural city that feels distinctly Mediterranean. This non-conventional guide, brought to you by My Egypt Travel, explores how to best peel back the layers of this fascinating coastal metropolis.
The Cosmopolitan Spirit: A Non-Conventional View
The true soul of Alexandria lies not just in its ruins, but in its atmosphere. It is captured in the elegant decay of its old French-style architecture, the scent of sea salt and strong coffee, and the endless promenade along the Corniche. Our tours are designed to capture this spirit, blending archaeological depth with moments of modern, relaxing seaside immersion.
I. The Lost Wonders: Tracing the Hellenistic Legacy
While the famed Pharos Lighthouse and the original Great Library are tragically lost, the city still holds powerful relics of its glorious Greco-Roman prime.
1. The New Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina) (The Revival)
Serving as a powerful symbol of the ancient Library’s legacy, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an architectural masterpiece. Its striking disc shape and the granite wall inscribed with letters from every alphabet are instantly iconic.
- Purpose for the Traveler: This is more than a library; it is a cultural complex featuring museums, art galleries, and a vast reading room. It’s an essential stop to understand Alexandria’s enduring commitment to knowledge and intellectual history.
2. The Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El Dikka) (The Roman Heart)
One of the most surprising and well-preserved Roman sites in Egypt, the Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El Dikka) is a marble structure with 13 semicircular tiers of white marble seating. It once served as a central hub for entertainment and public speaking.
- Unique Feature: Adjacent to the amphitheater are the ruins of Roman baths and villas, offering a snapshot of Roman urban life, complete with elaborate mosaic floors.
3. Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum Site (The Shrine of Serapis)
This colossal Roman column, towering 27 meters high, is one of the city’s best-known Roman landmarks. It stands amidst the ruins of the Serapeum, the temple dedicated to the Hellenistic god Serapis.
- Historical Insight: The site once housed a “daughter library” to the Great Library, underscoring Alexandria’s incredible density of cultural institutions.
II. Subterranean Secrets: The Catacombs
Alexandria’s most impressive surviving Roman sites are found beneath the surface, revealing a fascinating fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman funeral art.
4. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (The Merging of Worlds)
Dating back to the 2nd century AD, these Catacombs are one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages and the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt. They represent a breathtaking blending of cultures:
- The Artistic Blend: Note the scenes where Egyptian gods (like Anubis) are depicted wearing Roman attire, and the burial sarcophagi that fuse classical Roman sculpture with pharaonic symbolism.
- Traveler Experience: Descending into the deep, winding tunnels is an atmospheric and cool escape from the Mediterranean heat, offering a profound sense of stepping back in time.
5. Anfushi Tombs (The Hidden Necropolis)
These smaller, less-visited Hellenistic rock-cut tombs are richly decorated with painted imitations of marble and alabaster. They offer a powerful glimpse into the funeral practices of the early Ptolemaic period.
III. The Coastal Fortress and Naval History
The very point where the ancient Pharos Lighthouse once stood is now dominated by a magnificent medieval fortress, forever linking Alexandria to its naval history.
6. The Citadel of Qaitbay (The Lighthouse’s Legacy)
Built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay, this striking fortress stands exactly on the site of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse, using some of the lighthouse’s salvaged stone.
- Catchy View: The Citadel offers the most picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea and the curving Corniche, making it a favorite spot for photographers and romantics.
7. Montaza Palace Gardens (Royal Escape)
This former royal palace and its extensive gardens offer a beautiful, serene contrast to the city’s dense urban core. The manicured grounds and the striking architectural blend of the palace itself are perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll along the sea.
IV. The Modern Pulse: Culture and Cuisine
Alexandria’s charm is its ability to wear its history lightly while maintaining a vibrant, contemporary culture.
8. The Corniche Promenade (The City’s Lifeline)
A wide, sweeping road that traces the city’s coastline, the Corniche is the social, cultural, and visual spine of Alexandria. Walking along the waterfront, watching the fishermen and the crashing waves, is the purest Alexandrian experience.
9. Culinary Immersion: Seafood and Street Food
Alexandria is Egypt’s undisputed seafood capital. Freshly caught fish, shrimp, and calamari, prepared simply with Mediterranean herbs, are a must-try.
- Non-Traditional Dining: Seek out local cafes for Fuul (fava beans) and Ta’ameya (falafel) for an authentic, inexpensive breakfast by the sea. Don’t forget the French influence: Alexandria is renowned for its bakeries and pastries.
V. Planning Your Romantic and Cultural Escape with My Egypt Travel
For travelers seeking a blend of deep culture, seaside relaxation, and romantic ambiance, Alexandria is the perfect addition to a longer Egyptian itinerary (often paired with a Nile Cruise or Cairo).
Logistical Mastery and Comfort
My Egypt Travel ensures your experience is seamless and relaxed:
- Travel from Cairo: We manage efficient transfers from Cairo, whether by high-speed train or private vehicle, turning the journey into a scenic experience rather than a logistical challenge.
- Personalized Guides: Our Alexandria guides specialize in Greco-Roman and Hellenistic history, offering fascinating, detailed context for sites like the Catacombs, which might otherwise be confusing.
- Romantic Stays: We select boutique hotels along the Corniche, ensuring you wake up to the sound and sight of the Mediterranean, enhancing the ‘Romantic Escape’ aspect of your trip.
The My Egypt Travel Advantage: Unlocking the Mysteries
The historical complexity of Alexandria—where much of the ancient city lies submerged beneath the modern one—requires expert guidance. We organize your visits efficiently, maximizing your time between the subterranean wonders, the coastal fortresses, and the city’s vibrant cultural centres.
🔑 Conclusion: The Undying Beauty of Alexandria
Alexandria is a destination that appeals to the mind and the heart. It is the perfect blend of profound history—from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra—and the eternal allure of the Mediterranean. It offers the discerning traveler an escape into a different Egypt, one defined by the sea, culture, and cosmopolitan grace.
Ready to trace the footsteps of pharaohs and philosophers along the Corniche? Contact My Egypt Travel today to craft your bespoke Alexandrian journey.
