Alexandria, additionally called “Al-Iskandariya” in Arabic, held the celebrated identify of capital of Egypt for nearly a millennium earlier than progressively dropping its significance.
In current times, however, Alexandria has emerged as a top vacation spot to discover whilst travelling the African continent. What specific studies look forward to you on this captivating town?
Discover greater approximately Alexandria and its charms via our unique Egypt excursion applications and thrilling Egypt Trips.
Alexandria, the second one biggest town in Egypt after Cairo, is placed at the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. Often called the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, Alexandria attracted many European marketers till 1952 with its wealth of attractions, big sandy beaches, cultural gala’s and temperate climate.
As a result, notwithstanding being most effective 225km from Cairo, this port town exudes a Mediterranean as opposed to an Arab atmosphere.
History of the town
The town of Alexandria dates returned to 322 BC whilst Alexander the Great based it on the age of 25.
Situated at the Mediterranean coast, the town of Alexandria served because the capital of Egypt throughout the Ptolemaic technology till it finally misplaced its significance and function because the capital.
Alexander the Great, after releasing Egypt from the Persian Empire, determined to construct a brand new town linked with the aid of using sea to his fatherland of Macedonia. He selected the fishing village of Rhakotis, which had a herbal harbor, and commissioned his architect, Deinocrates, to convert it into what we understand nowadays because the town of Alexandria. It is really well worth noting that Alexander became now no longer allowed to be buried withinside the historical capital of Memphis, having rejected it in prefer of constructing Alexandria.
What is the town of Alexandria well-known for?
The Lighthouse of the Pharaohs in Alexandria is famend as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the world’s first lighthouse. French archaeologists have exposed over 3,three hundred fragments of the lighthouse, that are now on show in Alexandria’s museums.
Built throughout the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus with the aid of using the Ptolemaic Kingdom of historical Egypt, it stood at a spectacular peak of at the least one hundred meters (330 feet). For centuries it held the identify of the world’s tallest constructing till the Eiffel Tower became constructed in 1889.
Although it now no longer exists because of harm from 3 fundamental earthquakes, the stays of this anciental landmark can nevertheless be famous underwater via scuba diving.
Interestingly, however, components of Alexandria are actually underwater. The stays of Cleopatra’s palace, over 7,000 gigantic statues, infinite gold and silver cash and infinite different artefacts which have surfaced at some stage in records lie at depths of 8-15 meters underneath sea degree withinside the Abu Kir harbor basin. Recognizing their significance, the Egyptian authorities has made plans for an underwater museum wherein divers can already wonder at those first-rate discoveries.
Alexandria’s high-quality landmarks consist of the Qait Bay Fortress with its panoramic perspectives of the town, the Greco-Roman Museum with its historical treasures, the catacombs called Kom El-Shokafa, the towering Morsi Abu El-Abbas Mosque, a almost 27 meter excessive Pompey’s Column and the Montazah Palace – as soon as King Farouk’s summer time season residence – with its enthralling park.
Best time to visit
The best time to discover Alexandria is in autumn (past due September to early November) and spring (March and April). At those times, the climate is pleasantly temperate, making it ideal for taking withinside the town’s architectural wonders.
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