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Places to visit at Alexandria
El Muntazah The magnificent Muntazah Palace, which was the king's summer residence. It comprises several buildings the most important are the Haramlek and the Salamlek, built by Khedive Abbas II. These 2 buildings are transformed now to hotels for accommodation. Staying in any of them really gives you the royalty feeling The Greek Quarter and Bab Rosetta District:
Back to Al Horreya heading east, as we pass the Graeco-Roman Museum (a notable museum well worth a visit) we move into the Greek Quarter of Alexandria, one of the most beautiful residential districts. The wonderful old villas include the massive Miclavez building, which is opposite the Town Hall and nearby the Adda Complex built in 1929. This is where the wealthy Greeks lived at the turn of the century, and the streets are still named after the Ptolemic, Pharaonic, Abbasid and Fatimid rulers. Further east is the Greek Orthodox patriarchate and the Church of St. Saba . The Greco-Roman Museum
Houses many collections of rare Greek and Roman relics and coins - about 40 thousand pieces, from the Third Century B.C. to the Seventh Century AD, including the Tanagra collection. The museum also houses the pieces recovered in 1995 at the Lighthouse site.
Pompey's Pillar
Mistakenly named so in the Middle Ages, this granite pillar is over 25 meters high. Built amidst the ruins of the Serapium in AD 297 AD in honor of Emperor Diocletian, it is the most prominent remaining Greek landmark in Alexandria.
The Roman Amphitheatre
Located downtown at Kom al-Dikkah the Roman amphitheatre is considered unique in Egypt. Discovered only in the early 1960's while laying the foundation of a new building, the amphitheatre has twelve semi-circular marble tiers in remarkably good condition.
The Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa
This is the largest Roman cemetery in Alexandria. It is composed of three levels cut 30 meters deep into the existing rock. Dating to the beginning of the Second Century AD, it is a blend of Pharaonic and Roman art.
Al-Shatby Necropolis
Constructed along the lines of the old Greek houses, the necropolis includes a doorway, corridor, and two chambers. It dates back to the Third Century BC,
The Tombs of Al-Anfushi
These five Ptolemic tombs, from the early Third Century BC, were only discovered in AD 1901. They were cut into the existing rock and belong to Greek-Egyptians.
The Tombs of Mustafa Kamel (Rushdy) These four subterranean rock-hewn tombs, date back to the Second Century BC. Influenced by Ancient Egyptian style, they are distinguished by their bright colors and relief inscriptions that describe the daily activities and religious beliefs of the deceased.
The Fort of Qaitbay
Erected on the northern tip of the Eastern Port on the site of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria, the fort design is influenced by both medieval architecture as well as by the lighthouse original layout. The fort also houses the Naval Museum.
The Mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas
Situated in Al-Anfushi, this Andalusian-style mosque is the largest in the city. It has four domes and a minaret, and was re-built in the twentieth century at the site of the old Abul Abbas shrine.
The Beaches
There are many sandy beaches stretching from east to west: Maamura - Montaza - Assafra - Miamy - Sidi Bishr - San Stefano - Glym - Stanley - Rushdy - Sidi Gaber - Sporting - Ibrahimia - and Shatby; all of which lie along the seafront boulevard, the Corniche. On the western perimeter lie Al-Bitash and Hanoville beaches.
Abu-Qir Suburb
One of the calmest beaches, famous for fishing and seafood restaurants. This area, historically known as Canopus contains several Greek and Roman monuments. It is the site of the Abu-Qir battle between Napoleon and the British Commander, Nelson.
Al-Alamein
Site of the famous WWII Alamein battle, this beach also houses a WWII military museum. Alexandria Library Alexandria Library is being constructed, by the Shatby Tombs which are said to be the oldest in Alexandria. Nearer the San Stefano area across the tram tracks is also the Royal Jewelry Museum .
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