Alexandria
Alexandria
Region: Lower Egypt
Governorate: Alexandria
Altitude: 0 7m/23ft above sea level Population: about 4.3 million
Port cities have a special charm: proximity to the sea, an open and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Alexandria is no exception. When the rest of the country suffers in the heat, this city has a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Numerous city beaches await after visits to catacombs or museums – sight-seeing at its most relaxing.
With its gleaming white marble facade, the lighthouse was a highly conspicuous landmark and a symbol of the power of Alexandria. it numbered among the seven wonders of the world, was one of the first navigational lights and the model for all future lighthouses. The reason for constructing the tower was the narrow entrance, riddled with shallows, to the port of Alexandria, which was one of the busiest ports in the ancient world during its heyday. The purpose of the Pharos was to guide ships arriving from Greece, Spain and Syria safely into the bay.
The »pearl of the Mediterranean«, as the Alexandrians like to call their city, has its own special charm, which is not always apparent right away. The few monuments that remain from the time when Alexandria was the cultural centre of the Hellenic world now scarcely contribute to the flair of this major Mediterranean city. Even though faceless new construction now marks the face of tnore than 20km/ 12mi of coastline, a drive along the bay of Alexandria with its many beaches is impressive. The centre of the Corniche is planted with palm trees, and tourists as well as locals enjoy the numerous cafes and restaurants.
City history
At 331 BC : City founded by Alexander the Great
At 300 BC : Under Ptolemy l, the city becomes a centre of art and science.
At 279 BC : The lighthouse is completed.
At 30 BC : Suicide of Cleopatra, Alexandria falls to the Roman Empire.
At 642 AD : Alexandria was opened by Arabs.
At 1798 : Napoleon lands at Alexandria, now only a small town.
At the 19th century: New growth, expansion of the port
At 2002 : The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina is opened.
Highlights of Alexandria:
what to see in Alexandria:
Midan Tahrir is the traffic hub of the city. The square with the equestrian statue of Mohammed Ali is a good starting-point for a tour of the places of interest around the eastern and western harbour. The Palace of Justice and the Anglican St Mark’s Church stand on the square.
The square Midan Ahmed Orabi adjoins Midan Tahrir to the north. It leads to the magnificent shore promenade, the Corniche, which forms a wide arc around the old eastern harboure
About 8m/26ft below the surface of the eastern harbour, French diving teams discovered a large number of stone blocks and ancient building fragments from all epochs, which were hastily interpreted as the remains of a palace of Cleopatra.
Island of Pharos
Where the sultan’s fortification of Qaitbey lies today, the lighthouse – one of the seven wonders of the world — stood in ancient times.
Graeco-Roman Museum
23 rooms filled with ancient treasures
Kom el Shuqqafa
Down into the catacombs! The tomb is probably from the 2nd century AD and has an interesting mix of styles.
Montasah Park
The royal palace is an oasis of rest at the edge of the city and also serves the government for official issues.
Alexandria Tours
Frequently asked questions about visiting Egypt
Is it safe to travel to Egypt
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Is Egypt Safe for Americans to Travel to
Is Egypt Safe for Americans to Travel to?
We get this question a lot at Bastet Travel In short, Americans and other visitors can rest easy: yes, Egypt is a safe country for tourists. And the rest of the world seems to agree — after years of middling numbers, tourism in Egypt is steadily rising towards its former highs, hosting over 9 million sightseers in 2018. The longer answer is worth exploring, though, and we have some assurances to offer all our clients who join us on all of our Egypt Travel Packages.Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?
- Yes.
- All passengers travelling to Egypt (including Egyptians) must be in possession of negative PCR test certificate for COVID-19, taken at a maximum of 72 hours before their flight departure time.
- Passengers travelling from Japan, China, Thailand, North America, South America, Canada, London Heathrow, Paris, and Frankfurt will be allowed to provide the test certificate performed at a maximum of 96 hours prior to flight departure, due to the long travel and transit period from these airports.
- Although we understand the PCR testing policy to require a test result performed no more than 96 hours before the original departing flight, we have received anecdotal reports that some travelers have been denied entry when their PCR test was performed more than 96 hours prior to the departure of their connecting flight.
- Travelers must present paper copies of the test results; digital copies will not be accepted.
- Children under the age of six of all nationalities are exempt.
Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for US citizens in Egypt?
Yes, at numerous private testing centers, as well as the Central Public Health Lab.
Has the government of Egypt approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use?
Yes
Which vaccines are available in Egypt?
AstraZeneca and Sinopharm.
Are vaccines available in Egypt for tourists to receive?
Yes, the media has reported that anyone over age 18, including foreign residents, can now register for the vaccine. There is limited supply of the vaccine available and the media reports that priority for the vaccine will go to the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
Are test results reliably available within 72 hours?
Yes. Most test providers offer 48-hour turnaround. Faster service is possible at extra cost.
How can I obtain my Visa to visit Egypt?
How can I obtain my visa to visit Egypt?
What do i need to know when traveling to Egypt?
A few Things to Know Before Traveling to Egypt
You need a visa, and you can buy it upon arrival. The dollar goes far in Egypt. The traffic in Cairo/Giza is outrageous, but taxis (and Ubers) are cheap. You should not skip the Pyramids and Sphinx. The Pyramids and Sphinx are just the beginning of the ancient treasures. Islamic Cairo is amazing. Aswan should not be missed The Sahara is more than sand It is safer than you thinkWhat are the best day trips in Egypt
What are the best day trips in Egypt?
The best Day Trips in Egypt according to our travelers are: Cairo & Giza Tour Alexandria city full-day tour. Private Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis full-day tour Cairo Full-Day Private Guided City Tour Luxor East and West bank tourWhat are the most famous tourist attractions in Egypt
What are the most famous tourist attractions in Egypt?
Egypt has so much for travelers to see and do, it’s the perfect country for a mix of activities combining culture, adventure, and relaxation. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in Egypt.- Pyramids of Giza
- Valley of the kings
- Luxor’s Karnak Temple
- The Egyptian Museum
- Christian and Islamic Cairo
- The White Desert and Baharyia Oasis
- Siwa Oasis
- Abu simbel Temples
- Aswan
- Alexandria
- St. Catherine’s Monastery
- The Nubian village
- Nile River Cruise
- Hurghada
- South of Sinai
Related Articles
Related
Seth
Also known as Set, Setekh, Suty and Sutekh, Seth was the god of chaos, darkness, violence, evil, deserts, storms, and one of the Osirian gods. In the Osiris myth, he is the murderer of Osiris (in some versions of the myth, he tricks Osiris into laying down in a coffin and then seals it shut.)
Ancient Egyptian Gods And Goddesses
For all ancient Egyptians, the world was filled with mystery. Much of what they experienced in the world around them was unknowable and frightening. The ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses represented aspects of the Egyptians’ natural and “supernatural” surroundings and helped them understand its many aspects.
Horus
Depicted as a falcon or as a man with a falcon’s head, Horus was a sky god associated with war and hunting. He was also the embodiment of the divine kingship, and in some eras the reigning king was considered to be a manifestation of Horus.
