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If you’re looking for reasons why you should visit Alexandria in Egypt then this is the post for you.
I can’t believe that I had been putting off a visit. Once I arrived, I realised just how wrong I was to doubt going.
It’s a stunning city full of amazing things to do based on the North coast of Egypt. It felt so good to breathe in the fresh air and you could see the Mediterranean sea for miles.Thousands of years ago, Alexandria was a famous and powerful city.
Originally founded by Alexander the Great, all the world’s scripted knowledge at that point in time was held in the Great Library of Alexandria.
It used to be the largest library in the world before it was reduced to ashes by a great fire after Julius Caesar was besieged!
The lighthouse, which was destroyed in an Earthquake much later, also used to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Today, Alexandria is Egypt’s second-largest city and boasts a thriving port along its 32 kilometres of coastline. It is home to the medieval Citadel of Qaitbay, the royal Montazah palace, Bibliotheca library and lots of other gems to explore.
Here’s why you should visit Alexandra Egypt and why it’s worth it!
Things you need to prepare before you visit Egypt
- You will need a tourist visa to visit Egypt. You can buy these at the border for $25USD or apply in advance online. I’ve created a post all about how to acquire a tourist visa for UK citizens here, but this applies for most countries.
- Don’t forget about travel insurance for Egypt! It’s easy to get sick here, you can find really good deals with World Nomads.
- At the time of visiting, 22 Egyptian Pounds = 1 British Pounds. So, don’t get shocked if you’re a Brit when they tell you that taxis are a couple of hundred pounds!
- It is advised to dress to respect the culture when in Egypt. I’ve written a whole post about what to pack for your visit with lots of outfit inspirations and toiletries/medicines you must not visit Egypt without.
How to reach Alexandria from Cairo
There are a couple of options on how to visit Alexandriafrom Cairo;
- Cairo to Alexandria by Plane – You can fly to Alexandria but as the journey is only 3 hours by car it hardly seemed worth it to me! Flights are from $50USD one way. I always use Skyscanner for the best deals.
- Cairo to Alexandria by Bus – I had heard that the mini buses from Cairo to Alexandria were a death wish! So, I decided to bookwith GoBus. They are a reputable company, popular with locals and are more like plush coaches. You can book online or through their nifty phone app. Some seats are leather reclining with a personal touch screen TV and snacks. My journey was only £150£EGP (£5GBP). Click here to read my review.
- Cairo to Alexandria by Taxi – you can organise a private car to take you from the capital to Alexandria but I would be mindful of which company you choose! I had read reviews that the drive down can be quite dangerous, especially if the driver is a little speed happy.
Where to stay in Alexandria
As a lover of boutique and historical hotels, there was only one hotel I knew I wanted to stay in here; The Cecil hotel.
A historical landmark bang slap in the middle of the Corniche. Throughout history, it has welcomed famous guests such as Winston Churchill and Omar Sharif a famous Egyptian movie star! I actually stayed in his suite while I was here.
Today it’s called the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria and, despite a modern makeover, it’s stayed true to its roots.
The rooms are massive with traditional high ceilings. Some of the rooms have a balcony with epic views of the ocean, Corniche, the Citadel of Qaitbay and beyond.
I particularly enjoyed their birdcage elevator, it really added a historical touch to the place! As it only had 3 sides, you could see the floors as you travelled up and down each day.
As it’s in a central location, make sure you try to book a room on a high floor. Although the windows are soundproofed, the traffic down below can be extremely noisy as the cars honk all night!
To check dates and rates available at the Cecil Hotel see here
How to get around Alexandria
As there are 32 kilometres of coastline in Alexandria, it would be wise to make sure you have transport to get around the city.
Some places are central and it’s easy enough to walk along the Corniche to access them. But some attractions like the Montazah palace are further afield.
The local taxis are great for shortstops but if you’re planning on visiting a few attractions, I would hire a private car to take you around for the day.
I hired a driver to take me to Montazah Gardens, Pompey’s pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafaand a few other places for around £500EGP for the whole day (£22GBP). I did negotiate though and promised I’d use his service for a drop off at the bus station the next day as part of the deal!
You can also take a horse and carriage around the city for short journeys and Tuk Tuks (three-wheelers).
Here are all the reasons why you should visit Alexandria Egypt
1. It’s a stunning city on the coast of the Mediterranean sea
Having been inland in Egypt for so long, I forgot how refreshing it is to be beside the sea!
To breathe in the fresh air and feel the salt on my face. I made it to the city just before sunset and seeing the sun makes its way down over the horizon was pure magic.
When I think of a city in Egypt, I always imagine lots of high rise buildings and industry. But, having the sea here in Alexandria made it a little more special to visit.
Watching the boats pull into port, riding around the harbour to chase the catch of the day. Seagulls flying overhead. It was a great scene, I couldn’t help but marvel at it.
2.It’s home to one of the biggest and most famous librariesin the world Bibliotheca
Alexandria used to be home to the largest library of the ancient world until the great fire consumed the Library of Alexandria (amongst other factors).
It was where most of the world’s knowledge at that point in time was kept and so it was a massive setback once it was destroyed.
The old library of Alexandria was not just a library, it was a cultural learning centre for the arts and philosophy.
A landmark that paved the way forward for worldly education, not just in scripture, but in thought, mind and human existence too. A place of understanding of people around the world.
That’s why Alexandria decided to honour its ancient namesake by building the new library; the Bibliotheca. Inaugurated in 2002, it’s now the largest library in the Middle East and has the same aim; to be a learning centre with a spirit of openness.
I always find it humbling and exciting to be around so much knowledge! Don’t miss it while you’re here.
3.You can still visit the ruins of the original Library of Alexandria
The ancient library was built in 246BC and owned around 400,000 scrolls in its library at its peak. Although the great fire of Alexandria was partially to blame for its demise, it was actually a number of factors;
- Ptolemy VIII Physcon came into power, becoming king of the Ptolemaic dynasty, and he then expelled most of the scholars from Alexandria in 182BC.
- Julius Caesar was captured in 48BC, with his soldiers setting fire to his fleet of ships. The fire spread to the city and to the library. But, much of it survived.
- Finally, Emperor Aurelian, tried to capture Alexandria. In the process, he destroyed the Broucheion quarter, taking the library with it.
You can still visit the ruins of the Old Library of Alexandria today. All that is left of this great learning centre is the storerooms underneath the ruins of the Serapeum. Which is under Pompey’s Pillar!
I’m not going to lie, I was creeped out down here! Lots of noises and extremely dark.
4. You can visit the Citadel of Qaitbay
This is one of the things I was most excited to see. The Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century fort on the edge of the Mediterranean sea.
It’s considered one of the most important defence strongholds and was built under the rule of Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf ad-Din Qa’it Bay (a bit of a mouthful!).
Locatedon Pharos Island, it lies on top of the exact location where the Lighthouse of Alexandria was built, one of the ancient wonders of the world. It was used to defend Egypt against the Turks in the Ottoman empire.
Nowadays it’s just a shell of what it used to be but it’s extremely pretty! You can climb up four floors to the very top and each floor has a magnificent view of the ocean. You can see the waves crashing on the rocks and the fisherman out to claim their catch.
I was told on Google this was going to open at 8 am, but it is actually 9 am. Don’t show up too early like I did or you’ll be sitting around for an hour!
5. It has lots of street art to entertain you
Just beyond the Citadel on Pharos Island near the entrance, you can see the most colourful mural made of seashells.
I was really taken by the colours and the fact that the art represented the city. It’s made of recycled seashells from the shore made into mosaics.
The only issue was that it was near a car park! So, if you want a good snap, you will need to go early. Otherwise, you’ll be standing behind the bumpers of cars.
6. You can join the locals and walk along the Alexandria Corniche
Most of the time in Egypt, I didn’t walk. It’s quite hot, dirty, people bother you and some of the temples are quite far apart. So, I was grateful for a few days of being able to simply walk!
The Corniche is extremely popular with locals, especially in the evening time. You’ll find couples canoodling, people serving coffee or roasting corn, fishermen looking to catch some dinner, friends meeting up for a chat. It was lively but extremely safe.
Unlike most of Egypt, I was happy to just be a ghost here and blend in! No one bothered me to sell me something or catcalled me. No one intimidated me. It was lovely to stroll along the sea. Best paired with sunset.
7. Alexandria has an amazing café culture
I was particularly surprised about the café culture in Alexandria. There were so many trendy cafés along the strip and in the city.
Locals and tourists alike chat over a coffee or shisha pipe, have dinner or sample something from the scrumptious bakery.
As I was wandering around the city looking for a bite to eat, one of the cafés I was taken within particular was Trianon.
It looked like something from the 1930s with its Art Deco style. It opened its doors in 1905 and was a famous haunt of the Greek poet Cavafy.
It serves up some delicious sandwiches and cakes from their bakery.
But be warned, there aren’t any smoking laws in Egypt. There isn’t even a no-smoking area in here either!
Everyone in this café smokes cigarettes and shisha. I had a chest infection so I ate on their tables ate outside. But even if I didn’t, the smell of smoke, while I’m eating food, is pretty grim.
8. A boat ride along Alexandria harbour has to be done
One of the most beautiful views of the city skyline can be found on a ship sailing around the harbour.
It isn’t a regular tourist attraction, but you can hire a boat privately if it takes your fancy.
I saw a couple on my walk around the Corniche taking a boat ride so I decided to do it myself!
It was a beautiful view but don’t take it on a choppy day as I did. I’ve not got the best sea legs and I have to admit I felt a little nauseous as we were sailing around. I honestly felt like we were going to go over at one point.
The sailor and my tour guide found it hilarious to watch me squirm and joke by pretending to fall out of the boat lol. I was not impressed!
9. You can visit the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
One of the seven wonders of the medieval world, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa started in the 2nd century AD.
Legend has it that in 1900, a donkey pulling a cart fell down a hole underground which led to their discovery!
The name translates to ‘Mound of Shards’ as there used to be lotsof broken pottery in this area. It’s quite unique as there is a mix of Egyptian, Roman and Greek carving styles.
It’s still an active dig site and they continue to make new discoveries with the excavation. You can visit these tombs for £80EGP and you’re not technically allowed to take photos inside. But this is Egypt and everyone was doing it!
10. Learn about Pompey’s Pillar and visit more tombs
Pompey’s Pillar was originally built as a victory column by the Romans.
These pillars would usually be built after winning a great battle. In Alexandria, it was built to honour Emperor Diocletian’s win over a revolt in the city.
It was one of the largest ancient monoliths ever erected at 26.85 metres high.
Along with the column, you can see two Roman copies of the sphinx statue. It’s a huge archaeological site but when I paid a visit, there was no one there!
I almost missed a visit to the underground storerooms which are the only remains of the Old Library of Alexandria until the security guard reminded me.
It was pretty cool to go inside but I was also extremely creeped out going in alone. It’s dark with temperature control so there’s lots of noise and statues lit up. So, if you’re scared, don’t go in alone! Tickets are £60 EGP.
11. Feel like royalty in the Montazah gardens
The Montazah Gardens are a must-visit if you’re in Alexandria. These perfectly kept gardens cover 150 acres and are full of Islands to explore, swaying palm trees, royal palaces, lighthouses and more!
The entrance is free for pedestrians but you need to pay £30EGP for a car pass.
I personally had my driver take me around the main sites, it’s a large area! Coach trips visit here often from the cruise ships offshore so prepared for it to be packed with people.
The highlight for me was walking over to Tea Palace Island. Not only because the name sounds so intriguing, but it is actually an island that you walk over a bridge to.
It’s a little swanky as there is a boat club and some restaurants around for the rich and powerful. But, we peasants can walk around and enjoy the views of the lighthouse and the sea for free. Lots of fishermen come here so you can take a snoop on their buckets and see what they caught!
12. Visit the luxurious Montazah palace
The highlight of the Montazah gardens is the palaces that were built in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Salamlek palace was built in 1892, but not for royalty. It acted as an old hunting lodge. Today it has been converted into a luxury hotel & casino.
Montazah palace or Al-Haramlik, was built in 1932 by King Fuad I, and was built as a summer palace for the royal family. It is now a museum and casino displaying arts and Muhammad Ali history.
When I was here it wasn’t open to visitors, in fact, my tour guide told me this acts as a presidential residence too.
13. Alexandria rooftop bars provide the most incredible views
I loved the rooftop bars in Alexandria, there was really nothing better than a drink overlooking the city at night. The twinkling city lights under the stars had a certain magic to them.
As the rooftop bar at the Cecil Hotel was closed, I was recommended to visit the Windsor Palace Hotel.
Their Sky Roof was said to be the best in town. I really didn’t rate that place but the Blue Harbour Café underneath it was incredible.
How it works is you buy a ticket for £250EGP which gets you drinks/meals up that price. Sort of like a cover charge but you get your money back in drinks and food. After you’ve reached £250EGP you pay the extra.
It was pretty chilly up on the roof so I was happy to welcome the fire which they put next to me. They also had some great entertainers here singing ballads and acoustic guitar.
The highlight for me was that itserved one of my favourite beers; Desperados! The only place in Egypt I had seen it. So, naturally, I came back a few times to enjoy it.
14. Sample fresh fish from the Fish Market in Alexandria
It could almost be criminal to come to Alexandria and not sample some of the fish. It’s so fresh here and a lot of the restaurants are ocean to table! Personally, I was excited to try as I love all sorts of seafood!
One of the most famous places to eat in Alexandria is the Fish Market or locally known as “Halaket El-Samak”. It’s not hard to locate as it stands proud on the Corniche with garish neon lights after the sunsets!
Popular with locals and tour groups alike, you choose your fish from the display and are charged by the kilo. Then you choose your extras like rice, breads, potatoes. They also did some really tasty starters and puds!
The fish market has been here for over 200 years and you’ll see lots of portraits and pictures of famous celebrities who have eaten here.
15. It’s extremely calm compared to Cairo
The thing I liked the most is how relaxed it was here, thankfully it’s nothing like Cairo.
No one bothered me, tried to rip me off or catcalled me down the street. The air is fresher, not as polluted and the people are friendlier. There’s room to breathe!
I think that Alexandria became my favourite city in Egypt for many reasons, not just the incredible depths of its history but the people and culture there too. Being by the sea is always good for the soul, so I relished in it for a few days.
Don’t miss all the things that Alexandria has to offer you. There is so much that makes this wonderful city worth a visit!
Read more of my Egypt articles
My perfect 2 weeks Egypt Itinerary
My top travel tips for Egypt
The perfect Egypt packing list
Why do you need to visit the West Desert in Egypt
The most Instagrammable places in Egypt
My guide to the Valley of the Kings
Things to do in Luxor
The ultimate 4-day Nile Cruise
Things to do in Aswan
Top places to visit in Luxor at night
The perfect guide for Abu Simbel
My survival guide for the pyramids
Top things to do in Cairo
Instagram spots in Alexandria
Top tips for riding a hot air balloon in Luxor
Save these reasons to visit Alexandria Egypt for later!
FAQs
15 Reasons Why You Should Visit Alexandria Egypt & Why It's Worth It!? ›
Visiting The Ruins Of The Past.
Alexandria has a lot of history that spans the classical world, from the Hellenistic civilisation and influences from the Greek and Roman empires, to Ptolemaic and Byzantine Egypt, and there are enough ruins and sites that you can easily fill a week visiting them all properly.
Visiting The Ruins Of The Past.
Alexandria has a lot of history that spans the classical world, from the Hellenistic civilisation and influences from the Greek and Roman empires, to Ptolemaic and Byzantine Egypt, and there are enough ruins and sites that you can easily fill a week visiting them all properly.
The second largest Egyptian city, after Cairo, and one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria was a major centre of civilization in the ancient world, controlling commerce between Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean, and has continued throughout its long history to act as a vital crossing point for ...
What is Alexandria Egypt best known for? ›Alexandria was best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; its Great Library, the largest in the ancient world; and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
What is interesting about Alexandria? ›Alexandria was home to the largest population of Jews and the Septuagint. The city became important to Egyptian Christians as the political and cultural center of Egypt during the rise of Christianity. The seat of the Coptic Orthodox Papacy is still located in Alexandria to this day.
Why should people visit Egypt? ›You'll find everything from ancient pyramids at Giza to tombs of pharaohs deep in the desert sand, among the amazing history that can be found all over the country. Another fantastic thing to see while traveling through Egypt is its world-famous temples and monuments.
What attractions is Alexandria most famous for why? ›What is Alexandria famous for? Alexandria is home to the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) which is among the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Great Library used to be the largest one in the ancient world. The Necropolis is one of the seven wonders of medieval times.
How would you describe Alexandria Egypt? ›Egypt's second-largest city with a population of around four million, Alexandria is the country's largest seaport and the center of much of its maritime activity. It is also one of the oldest cities in Egypt and lies around 225 kilometers northwest of Cairo.
Is it worth visiting Alexandria? ›For all you history junkies, Alexandria is a must-see location, but it can also transport any visitor back to a century gone. Explore the city's history in the national museum, wander the ancient ruins, learn about the millennia-old lighthouse, and take in all the traditional houses.
What are the wonders of Alexandria? ›lighthouse of Alexandria, also called Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the most famous lighthouse in antiquity. It was a technological triumph and is the archetype of all lighthouses since.
What made Alexandria such an impressive city? ›
What made Alexandria such an impressive city? The location was ideal for trade, built great palaces and monuments, home to centers of culture and learning, museum held many works of art, library contained works of philosophy, literature, history, and the sciences.
Why Alexandria is better than Cairo? ›Where Alexandria is laid-back and less crowded, Cairo is bustling and full of traffic. However, both Alexandria and Cairo will show you different sides of modern Egyptian life. Visit these two amazing cities during your Egypt Tour is the best choice for every travel lover.
What is the nickname for Alexandria Egypt? ›Alexandria's nickname is “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”. This, the second largest city in Egypt, stretches along 20 miles of Mediterranean Sea coastline in the north-central region.
What does Alexandria mean? ›Meaning:Defender of humankind; defender of the people. Alexandria is a feminine form of Alexander originating from Greece, meaning “defender of humankind” or “defender of the people.” It is derived from Alexander the Great, a Macedonian king who named many towns after himself, including the city of Alexandria in Egypt.
What are some facts about Alexandria Egypt for kids? ›Alexandria has stone structures that date back to when the city was part of the Roman Empire. They include an amphitheater and Pompey's Pillar, which was built in 297 ce. There are also ancient tombs called catacombs. The chief economic activities of Alexandria include shipping, banking, and the manufacturing of cloth.
What best describes the city of Alexandria? ›Alexandria was an Egyptian trade center and home to a diverse population. Alexandria was the capital of the Persian Empire and the home of its ruler. Alexandria was a powerful military society that started the Peloponnesian War.
What are 3 things Egypt is known for? ›Egypt is very famous for its ancient civilization and the monuments of the majestic pharaohs, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the GEM (The Grand Egyptian Museum), Sakkara, and Dahshur.
What is beautiful about Egypt? ›Egypt is more than just pyramids and temples, as you will see in this post. Egypt is also home to beautiful beaches, magnificent sand dunes, unique desert landscapes, pristine coral reefs, and luxurious resort towns.
What to do in Alexandria in two days? ›- Bibliotheca Alexandrina. 1,837. Architectural Buildings • Libraries. ...
- Fort Qaitbey. 1,105. Historic Sites. ...
- Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. 726. Ancient Ruins. ...
- Stanley Bridge. 571. Bridges. ...
- Corniche. 671. Piers & Boardwalks. ...
- Royal Jewelry Museum. 220. ...
- Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi. 170. ...
- Montazah Gardens. 921.
Does Alexandria still exist Walking Dead? ›
In reality, Alexandria is located in the town of Senoia, Georgia. It is within sight of the water tower and the Governor's apartment in Woodbury, which is actually the town of Senoia. The podcast Clip it Up has a great video to see filming locations via a TWD Studio Tour including Alexandria.
Is it safe to travel to Alexandria Egypt now? ›Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism. Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy's limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.
How much of ancient Alexandria is underwater? ›For centuries, parts of the ancient city of Alexandria have lain six to eight metres under the sea.
What is the best time to visit Alexandria Egypt? ›If you are travelling through Egypt at this time and expect to visit Alexandria you should bring a coat and warm footwear. The best time of year to visit Alexandria is probably autumn or fall (late September to early November) and spring (March and April).
Is Alexandria a nice place? ›Alexandria is an amazing suburb to raise a family. The neighbours are friendly and helpful, the streets, parks and everything in general are always kept spotless. Schools and childcare facilities are top notch.
What is the famous street in Alexandria? ›1. Stroll the King Street Mile. Centuries-old architecture, brick-lined streets, cobblestone alleys and a canopy of twinkling lights during the holidays make strolling King Street the #1 thing to do in Alexandria.
What is the oldest 7 wonder of the world? ›Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the wonders and the only one of the seven substantially in existence today.
What was lost in Alexandria? ›The loss of the ancient world's single greatest archive of knowledge, the Library of Alexandria, has been lamented for ages. But how and why it was lost is still a mystery. The mystery exists not for lack of suspects but from an excess of them. founded in Egypt by Alexander the Great.
Why is Alexandria historic? ›Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander. Alexandria is known as being the adopted hometown of America's first president, George Washington. As a teenager, George Washington surveyed the city. Later, he owned a townhouse here in Old Town.
What is left of ancient Alexandria? ›Very little of the ancient city has survived into the present day, however "Pompey's Pillar", a Roman triumphal column, is still standing. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina (2002) is based on reviving the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world.
What type of person is the city of Alexandria famous for attracting? ›
A person of Greek nationality could become the city of Alexandria. The city of Alexandria attracted a lot of Jewish residents also. During that period, the Jewish community occupied one of the five main districts of Alexandria city.
Why was the city of Alexandria in Egypt considered magnificent? ›Its enormous harbor became an important trading center. Egypt was the breadbasket of the world from the Ptolemaic period until the fall of Rome. All who wished to trade with her would filter in through the great harbor. The ancient city became phenomenally wealthy and cosmopolitan.
Why is Alexandria a good place to live? ›Proximity to Washington D.C.: Just a short drive or metro ride away, residents enjoy easy access to the nation's capital and its numerous attractions and jobs. Educational options: From pre-K to college, public or private, the schools in Alexandria provide plenty of choices.
Does Alexandria have pyramids? ›Much of the "old Alexandria" has been preserved, and you'll be able to visit temples, an amphitheater, and more. However, most won't pass up making an excursion outside the city to the site of the iconic Great Pyramids and Sphinx.
What is the religion of Alexandria? ›Alexandria is the Egyptian Riviera, and is characteristically Egyptian with numerous mosques, palaces, monuments, parks, and gardens. Egypt was invaded by the Arabs in 642 AD and became part of an expanding Islamic Empire. Since then, Islam has been the official religion of the country.
How old is Alexandria Egypt? › How unique is the name Alexandria? ›Alexandria was the 352nd most popular name for girls born in the United States in 2021. For the US in the years since 1900, it was most popular in 1993 when it ranked 69th. It was not in the top 1,000 girls baby names before 1969.
Is Alexandria A Boy or a girl? ›The name Alexandria is primarily a female name of Greek origin that means Defender Of The People. Feminine form of the name Alexander.
Does Alexandria mean warrior? ›Greek. A feminine version of Alexander, from the Greek name Alexandros composed of alexein "to defend" or "to protect" and aner "man, warrior".
Is Alexandria a good name for a girl? ›It has a rich history and a strong meaning behind it. It has been popular for centuries and continues to be popular today. Whether you're looking for a name for your daughter that is both classic and modern, or you're simply a history buff, Alexandria is a name that is sure to make an impression.
What language does Alexandria Egypt speak? ›
The official language of Egypt is Arabic, and most Egyptians speak one of several vernacular dialects of that language.
What Egyptian died at Alexandria? ›The death of Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt, occurred on either 10 or 12 August, 30 BC, in Alexandria, when she was 39 years old.
What are some fun facts about Alexandria? ›Alexandria was home to the largest population of Jews and the Septuagint. The city became important to Egyptian Christians as the political and cultural center of Egypt during the rise of Christianity. The seat of the Coptic Orthodox Papacy is still located in Alexandria to this day.
What are some interesting facts about Alexandria Egypt? ›Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt and a major economic centre. With a population of 5,200,000, Alexandria is the largest city on the Mediterranean - also called the Bride of the Mediterranean by locals - the sixth-largest city in the Arab world and the ninth-largest in Africa.
What was the city of Alexandria called before? ›Historians generally agree that Rhakotis, or Râ-Kedet, was a settlement established before the fourth century B.C. in the area subsequently developed as Alexandria.
What are the benefits of visiting Egypt? ›- It's very affordable for tourists. ...
- Year-round sunny beaches. ...
- Our world-famous museums. ...
- Natural treatments and climatic physiotherapy. ...
- The last standing Ancient Wonder of the World. ...
- A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. ...
- Camping in the Sahara Desert.
Honour in modern-day Egypt is more commonly determined by the degree to which people exhibit and respect common cultural values of modesty, loyalty, honesty and hospitality.
What are 3 facts about life in ancient Egypt? ›- The ancient Egyptians worshipped over 2,000 gods and goddesses.
- Cleopatra, Egypt's last pharaoh, lived closer to our time than to the building of the Pyramids at Giza.
- Ancient Egyptian bakers sometimes kneaded bread dough with their feet.
- These ancient people often referred to their pet cats as miu.
Learn all about Egypt's most important cities and the most popular centres for tourism. Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are three places that should undoubtedly be including on any trip to the country.
Is it worth visiting Alexandria Egypt? ›For all you history junkies, Alexandria is a must-see location, but it can also transport any visitor back to a century gone. Explore the city's history in the national museum, wander the ancient ruins, learn about the millennia-old lighthouse, and take in all the traditional houses.
Why do I love Egypt so much? ›
Egypt, known for its architectural and cultural treasure is the dream of every traveler. The mystifying Pyramids, the vast sand dunes of the deserts, the oasis, the Nile, It's dazzling capital Cairo, countless temples and tombs on along side of the river bank makes it amazingly beautiful and a land to be loved by all.
What made Egypt so great? ›The success of ancient Egyptian civilization came partly from its ability to adapt to the conditions of the Nile River valley for agriculture. The predictable flooding and controlled irrigation of the fertile valley produced surplus crops, which supported a more dense population, and social development and culture.
Why was Alexandria Egypt so important in the field of medicine? ›Alexandria was both an important city and a place of inspiration in the history of medicine since the 3rd century BC until 7th century AD. Its fertile intellectual and scientific environment gave rise to a radical and new thinking and understanding of the disease process.
Why was Alexandria Egypt important during the Hellenistic Period 22? ›Why was Alexandria, Egypt, important during the Hellenistic period? It became the foremost center of commerce and Hellenistic culture. What separated the different regions within Greece?
What are 3 contributions to medicine and wellness that came from ancient Egypt? ›Ancient Egypt (3300BCE to 525BCE) is where the first dawn of modern medical care has been found, including bone setting, dentistry, simple surgery, and the use of different sets of medicinal pharmacopeias (Nunn, 2002).
Why did Alexandria become a center of learning? ›Alexandria was a remarkable center of learning due to the blending of Greek and Oriental influences, its favorable situation and commercial resources, and the enlightened energy of some of the Macedonian Dynasty of the Ptolemies ruling over Egypt, in the final centuries BC.
How many Alexandrias were there? ›The first of many Alexandrias in the far east of the Macedonian Empire, “Alexandria in Ariana,” in what is now Afghanistan, was one of the more than twenty cities founded or renamed by Alexander the Great.
Why was the city of Alexandria named like this? ›Alexandria, named after Alexander the Great, is considered to be Egypt's second capital because of its historical importance and population. It is Egypt's second largest city.
Why was Alexandria named? ›Alexandria is a feminine form of Alexander originating from Greece, meaning “defender of humankind” or “defender of the people.” It is derived from Alexander the Great, a Macedonian king who named many towns after himself, including the city of Alexandria in Egypt.
How did Alexandria preserve Greek culture? ›He established many cities in different parts of the empire. Like Greek cities, they had marketplaces, temples, and theaters. Settlers from Greece flocked to Alexander's cities. They brought with them Greek laws, art, and literature.
What happened in Alexandria Egypt 1882? ›
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Bombardment of Alexandria.
| Date | 11–13 July 1882 |
|---|---|
| Location | Alexandria, Egypt 31°11′59″N 29°52′16″E |
| Result | British victory |
In the autumn of 332 bce Alexander the Great invaded Egypt with his mixed army of Macedonians and Greeks and found the Egyptians ready to throw off the oppressive control of the Persians. Alexander was welcomed by the Egyptians as a liberator and took the country without a battle.