Exploring the Ancient City of Alexandria

The Charm of Alexandria

Alexandria, the Greek city founded in 331 BC by none other than Alexander the Great, is a city that has seen the rise and fall of kingdoms. Situated on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, Alexandria maintains its charm as a city of history, culture, art, science, and a unique linguistic and cultural blend that still influences the modern world.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, stood in the Pharos section of Alexandria and was around 393 feet tall. It was completed around 280 BC and was considered one of the tallest structures in the world until the Middle Ages. The Lighthouse was destroyed in several earthquakes over the centuries and was eventually replaced by a medieval tower. Gain further insights about the subject using Observe this recommended external source. Private tours of Egypt, additional information and new perspectives on the topic covered in Observe this article.

The Bibliotheca Alexandria

The Bibliotheca Alexandria, or Alexandria Library, is a stunning contemporary structure that stands near the site of the original ancient library, which was built in the 3rd century BC by Ptolemy. The ancient library was said to have been the largest and most diverse collection of knowledge ever assembled in the ancient world, with around 700,000 manuscripts. The modern Library of Alexandria was opened in 2002 and contains over 8 million books. It also has several specialized centers, including one for the preservation and restoration of manuscripts.

The Citadel of Qaitbay

The Citadel of Qaitbay is situated on the eastern harbor of Alexandria, near the site of the original Pharos Lighthouse. It was built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay in the 15th century to protect the city from sea attacks. Currently, the site is open to visitors and has been renovated and transformed into a maritime museum. The citadel provides a perfect view of the Mediterranean Sea and is a must-visit location for tourists in Alexandria.

The Royal Jewelry Museum

The Royal Jewelry Museum is located inside the former palace of King Farouk, the last king of Egypt, which displays an extensive collection of jewelry belonging to the royal family. The museum displays over 11,000 masterpieces that date back to the Muhammad Ali Dynasty and the 19th century. The collection includes gold crowns, tiaras, necklaces, bracelets, and numerous other pieces adorned with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. The museum also showcases personal belongings of the royal family, including furniture, clothing, and accessories.

The Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa

The Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa is an underground necropolis consisting of three levels, built in the 2nd century AD, during the Greco-Roman period. The tombs are carved from the rock and have been adorned with statues in a fusion of Roman and Egyptian styles. The catacombs are considered one of the seven wonders of the Middle Ages. Visitors can see the triclinium (the burial place), the Hall of Caracalla (representing the Roman triumph over Egypt), the Hall of Orafla (displaying the mummy procession), the Rotunda (featuring a towering conical dome), and the serapeum, which may have served as a chapel.

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum displays an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including more than 120,000 pieces. The museum is home to some of the world’s most famous artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun, the Mummies’ Hall, and the Royal Mummy Room. Visitors can see statues, jewelry, pottery, and tomb artifacts dating back to different Pharaonic eras. The museum is a perfect place for tourists who want to learn more about the ancient Egyptians’ way of life.

Conclusion

Alexandria landmark sites have been preserved over the centuries, providing visitors with an opportunity to revisit a memorable part of human history. The aforementioned sites are just a handful of the many exciting places that Alexandria has to offer. Leave a day, a week, or even a month for your visit to Alexandria, but it will never be enough! Unearth more insights on the topic through this external source. Egypt pyramids tour, expand your knowledge on the subject.