6 Top Places To Visit In Alexandria

Alexandria, named after Alexander the Great, is the second largest city in Egypt and was once the ruling ground for Cleopatra. It is known for its great architecture and spectacular locations. Today, it is a major economic center and home to the Great Library of Alexandria and Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. If you love history, there are many places to visit in Alexandria that will take you on a tour to explore the best sights of the town. 

Here is a list of some of the famous attractions:

1. Alexandria National Museum: Inside this historic museum, you can explore the city's vast history, including remnants of the Pharaonic era till the Hellenistic Heyday. Other displays and antiques from around the city are also on exhibit.

2. Kom El-Dikka: This was a famous residential area built during the Roman-Graeco times which featured exotic villas, bathhouses and a theatre. It was often called the Park of Pan and was the ultimate leisure area for the citizens of Alexandria. In the present day, this place includes the remnants of a Ptolemaic temple and a Villa of Birds, which is a mosaic flooring of a wealthy Roman Era dwelling.

3. The Citadel of Qaitbay: This fortress was built in the 15th century by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay. The structure overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and was originally built to strengthen the city's defense against the Ottoman Empire.

4. Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa: This is a perfect example of the Alexandrian fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman styles. The catacombs date back to the 2nd century AD and were discovered close to the year 1900. These catacombs are laid out on several levels of chambers which are connected by spiral stairs.

5. Pompey’s Pillar: This pillar, reaching the height of 27 meters, was set up in the honor of Diocletian in AD 292. It stands amidst the ruins of ancient walls, architectural fragments, and rubble where the Temple of Serapis once stood.

6. Montazah Gardens: Resting at the city's eastern edge, Montazah Gardens was originally built as the palace for King Farouk. Boasting a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea, this lavish garden is spread across a vast area and often makes a great place to find relaxation.