Alexandria City
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt with a population of 5.172 million people. It is the major center of the international shipping industry because it is an easy connection between the mediterranean sea and the red sea. Here all information you need to know about Alexandria city:
- 1. Alexandria History
- 2. Alexandria Location
- 3. Alexandria Climate
- 4. What is Alexandria Famous For?
- 5. Historical Sites in Alexandria
- 6. Islamic Landmarks in Alexandria
- 7. Christian Monuments in Alexandria
- 8. Activities to Do in Alexandria
Alexandria History
Alexander the Great is the one who founded Alexandria in 331 B.C. After conquering Syria, he swept down into Egypt with his army and founded Alexandria in a small port town. Alexander turned it to be a great capital as he is the one who has designed the plan for the city. Alexander left Alexandria to his commander, Cleomenes, to build the city. After the establishing of great places, the Ptolemaic dynasty began in 332 BC. Ptolemy adds legitimacy to his rule by acquiring Alexander’s body after his death in Egypt.
The city grew to be the largest cities in the world, attracting scholars, scientists, tourists, philosophers, artists, and historians. Many genius scientists appeared from Egypt just like Archimedes (287-212 BCE) and Eratosthenes (c.276-194 BCE).
Alexandria Location
It is located about 32 km along the cost of the mediterranean sea in Northern Egypt. The latitude of Alexandria is 31.205753 and the longitude is 29.924526.
Alexandria Climate
The best time to go to Alexandria is in spring or in autumn as summer in Alexandria can be somehow hot and winter becomes chilly. Spring is the busiest season with tourists. June, July, August, and September are the hottest seasons in Alexandria and January is the coldest season. August and January are the coolest seasons. The average temperature is 20°C in the daytime. Here are the average temperatures of Aelxandria along the year:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Temperature (°C) | 13.8 | 14.4 | 16.1 | 18.7 | 21.7 | 24.7 | 25.9 | 26.8 | 25.7 | 23.5 | 20.1 | 15.9 |
| Min. Temperature (°C) | 9.8 | 10.4 | 11.6 | 13.8 | 16.9 | 20.5 | 22.3 | 22.8 | 21.7 | 18.8 | 15.6 | 11.7 |
| Max. Temperature (°C) | 17.9 | 18.5 | 20.7 | 23.7 | 26.5 | 29 | 29.6 | 30.8 | 29.8 | 28.2 | 24.6 | 20.2 |
Note: All the degrees are up for a slight chance due to sudden unexpected changes in the climate.
What is Alexandria Famous For?
It is a very famous city because of the amazing Lighthouse, which is considered one of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple of serapis, the citadel of Qaitbey, Pompey’s Pillar, and the magnificent Alexandria Library.
Historical Sites and Landmarks in Alexandria
Pompey’s Pillar: is the best known ancient monument in Alexandria today. This column of red Aswan Granite rises to the height of 27 m.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: they date back to the second century A.D. They are gorgeous examples for the Greco-Roman styles. Inside you can see the main burial chamber and the Sepulchral chapel.
Temple of Taposiris Magna: it was dedicated to Osiris in the Ptolemy era. This temple is located in Abusir. It is evidence that sacred animals were worshiped in Alexandria.
The Library of Alexandrina: it is the most impressive library all over the world as it contains a copy from each written book all over the world. It also includes a giant sun disk, a huge reading room, and a host of gorgeously well-designed museums.
The Citadel of Qaitbey: It was once the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This fort was established by Mamluke Sultan Qaitbey.
Alexandria National Museum: it is the best place if you want to know everything about the Pharaonic era to the Hellenistic heyday.
Corniche: it is just like any other monument in Alexandria that stands for all that’s elegant and decadent that marked the city in the late of the 19th and the early of the 20th
Kom El-Dikka: it reveals the ancient ruins including a great Roman theatre and the Ptolemaic Temple.
Montazak Gardens: it is like heavens on earth with its palm trees and blossoming flowers. At the end of this magical garden, there is a small beach so that you enjoy the most.
Ras El-Tin Palace: it was one a summer escape for the Egyptians sultans when the heat of the desert was unbearable. Today the Egyptian navy uses the palace.
Abu Al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque: it is dedicated to the 13th-century saint Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi that is located in the Anfoushi and was highly influenced by Egypt’s buildings and architecture.
The Roman Theater: it is located at Kom El-Deika that dates back to the second century A.D.
Islamic Landmarks in Alexandria
El-Mursi Abul Abbas mosque in Bahary is the most famous mosque in Alexandria. There are other remarkable mosques in Alexandria such as Bilal mosque, Ali Ibn Abi Taleb mosque, Sidi Gaber mosque, and sultan mosque.
Christian Monuments in Alexandria
Alexandria was considered the third most important feature of Christianity. The Church of Alexandria had legal authority over the whole African continent. Pope Cyril, I Church in Cleopatra, Saint Georges Church in Sporting, Saint Mark & Pope Peter I Church in Sidi Bishr, Saint Mary Church in Assafra and Saint Mina Church in Mandara are considered to be the most important Coptic Orthodox churches in Alexandria.
Best Activities to Do in Alexandria
There are many interesting things to do in Alexandria just like visiting its superb Alexandria Library, the exquisite catacombs to see the iconic mummies of Egypt, the beautiful Mamoura beach, Alexandria Opera House, Deir Mar Mina, the stunning Pompey’s Pillar, experience the royal life by visiting the Montazah Palace Gardens, and definitely the recherché Citadel of Qaitbey, and many more that you can do during your Egypt tour packages.
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
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We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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