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Travel Destination Guide - Alexandria
Alexandria (Egypt) 
Alexandria Information
Slideshow of Photos
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Alexandria, situated NW of the Nile delta, stretching along a narrow land strip between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariut (Mareotis), is the second largest city in Egypt. Known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", it has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern ; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is actually only 225 km from Cairo.and linked to Cairo by two major highways and a railroad line.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Graeco - Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was along these shores that history took a tragic turn at the time of Cleopatra , Julius Caesar , Mark Antony , and Octavian.
From the 19th century Alexandria took a new role, as a focus for Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion. This Alexandria has been immortalized by writers such as E-M- Forster and Cavafy. Generations of immigrants from Greece, Italy and the Levant settled here and made the city synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture.
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It is one of the most notable summer resorts in the Middle East , for, in addition to its temperate winters, its beaches, with white sands and magnificent scenery, stretch for 140 km along the Mediterranean Sea , from Abu Qir , in the east to Al-Alamein and Sidi Abdul Rahman, in the west.
Being an ancient city, Alexandria has many ancient sites and attractions, and more are always being discovered, whether under the sea or under the ground. Such attractions include:
The Citadel of Qait Buy - The Pillars of Pompeii are another of the attractions, these are remains of an ancient temple that has both Roman and Egyptian artifacts;
The Amphitheatre is another example of the wide cultural history that Alexandria has enjoyed over the centuries;
Palace of El-Montazah - Is a more recent attraction, it was one of the many palaces that belonged to the royal family in the more recent Egyptian history when Egypt was a kingdom. El-Montazah is now a public recreation area with great gardens and beaches.
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Population: 77.505.800
Languages: Arabic (official), English and French widely under
Currency: Egyptian pound
Currency code: EGP
Local Times:
Egypt - Cairo
Country Dialling Code: +20
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
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Egypt is synonymous with Pharaohs, the pyramids, temples and antiquities from ancient civilisations. And at the centre of these great civilisations lies the Nile River that has influenced their economics, social life, politics and religion. It is the oldest travel destination on earth: Greek and Roman travellers came in 430 BC to wonder at some of the very sights that make it a modern travel destination today. The magnificence of the painted Valley of the Kings, exquisite temples and the pyramids were all sought-after subjects of admiration, and many were already 2,500 years old!
From desert landscapes and dry, rugged mountains that reach to the sea, dusty cities full of exotic sounds and smells, and green strips of agricultural land snaking along the banks of the Nile, Egypt has something to offer all travellers from all walks of life. Spectacular diving in the Red Sea; unique desert experiences, whether on the back of a camel to Mount Sinai or on a jeep safari to the inner oases; the colour and chaos of Cairo and its markets; and felucca cruises on the Nile River are just some of the exotic attractions awaiting visitors. Egypt promises an unforgettable experience of history and relaxation - a mixture of discovery and pleasure.
Near Cairo you'll find the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the ancient capital at Memphis, while in Upper Egypt there's the Valley of the Kings; the temples at Luxor, Karnak, Deir el-Bahri (Hatshepsut), Edfu, Dendera, Kom Ombo and Philae; the awesome twin temples of Abu Simbel, and a wealth of vast statues, temples and monuments in between.
In fact, just when you think you've seen everything, the sands and seas give up some new wonder: a valley of golden mummies, Cleopatra's palace, a new cache of statues, or yet another tomb.
There's the promise of new man-made attractions, too - the foundation stone has just been laid for a huge new Egyptian museum near the Pyramids and a re-creation of the great library of ancient Alexandria is about to open.
Luxurious new resorts are being built alongside established tourist areas, ever-expanding the choice for holidaymakers.
For watersports, fantastic beaches and some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world, head for the Red Sea resorts - Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Nuweiba, Taba, Dahab and Marsa Alam.
Looking for adventure? The Sinai Peninsula offers the remote St Katherine's Monastery, site of Moses' Burning Bush, the Coloured Canyon, camel and jeep safaris and camping out in Bedouin-style tents. And if you really want to get off the beaten track, there are the oases of the Western Desert to explore.
But perhaps the country's best asset is its people: you'll find the Egyptians warm and welcoming whichever area you visit, and always keen to share their culture and incredible heritage. |
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Local Area Weather
Alexandria, EGYPT |
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Partly Cloudy |
18°C
Feels like: 18°C |
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