Introduction
Alexandria is the second largest city of Egypt and extremely rich in cultural heritage. Once, the center of learning for the ancient world, is today immortalized by many famous authors, The Pearl of the Mediterranean as they call it. Alexandria vacations are the best retreat for your mundane life. The ambience of this city is so rich in culture and preservation of the past that it completely segregates itself from the rest of the country. If you’re planning Alexandria vacations then get ready for time traveling into ancient Egypt.
History
Founded by Alexander the great in nearly 330 BC, Alexandria has always been a symbol of the pharos and other wonders of the world. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located right next to the library of Alexandria. It is one huge complex full of knowledge. The complex was inaugurated in 2002 and today holds nearly 8 million books, four museums, conference rooms, manuscript restoration labs and art galleries for temporary and permanent exhibitions. The architecture of this building is so fascinating that it won the architectural competition that UNESCO organized back in 1988. Moving further on your Alexandria vacations, if you want to see some more ancient ruins then you should go look at the Pompey's Pillar. This 25m Aswan Granite Pillar was built in 297 BC in honor of the Emperor Diocletain. It’s the tallest monument in Alexandria and referred to as the “Column of the Horseman” in Arabic. Beside this column you will find galleries where Apis bulls were buried and where the three sphinx figures stand. Another Ancient ruin in Alexandria is the Roman Odeum. This is the most complete ancient ruin in all of Alexandria. In the second century, this Odeum was a small theatre for music and poetry reading.
Features
When in Alexandria, a must see sight is the kom el shokafa catacombs which are also considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world. It consists of a series of tombs, archeological artifacts and statues. It exhibits traditional Egyptian beliefs and many Hellenistic changes. They are known to be the burial place of some religious communities back in 200 AD. Your Alexandria vacations just seem to have no end to exploring and understanding the world of ancient Alexandria. Beside buildings and ruins, you will also find ancient culture in Alexandria. Nearly 10% of Egyptians are Copts. Copts are direct descendants of the Christians that first settled here in Egypt before the arrival of Arabs and Islam. Their rituals, beliefs and language all differ from normal Arabs. Although these people have lost most their language and practically have been Arab-ized these people still cling on strongly to their faith and religion and are proud of it. The Cathedral Church of Alexandria is the centre of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate. You’ll find many Coptic churches in the city as well.
Tips and comments
It is thus, clear why Alexandria is a cradle of Egyptian history. There are monuments and historic ruins dating back to early Roman, French and pharos era. The city was recognized because of the lighthouse of the Pharos, a tower built in between 280 and 247 BC for the same purpose a lighthouse is used today and is one of the seven wonders of the world and for centuries the tallest handmade structures in the world. Your Alexandria Vacations will definitely make you remember your time spent here forever.
