Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt with a population of approximately 5 million. The city is located 200 km north of Cairo and stretches 20 km along the Mediterranean Sea on a narrow strip of a few kilometers.
The harbour of Alexandria is the most important in Egypt because of the export of crude oil and cotton among other commodities. The presence of natural gas in the surrounding area, and the construction of an oil pipeline from Suez, have made the city an important industrial centre. Besides a refinery and the petrochemical industry, the city houses iron and steel mills, car factories and a textile industry.
Nowadays the glorious past of Alexandria is hard to spot. However, a newly-opened library which covers all sciences will hopefully re-establish the old reputation of the city as the stronghold of wisdom. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, an institution intended both as a conmemoration and an emulation of the original, was inaugurated in 2003 near the site of the old library.
The New Library of Alexandria
Because of the very pleasant mediterranean climate, wonderful beaches and hotels, up to 2 million Egyptians choose to spend their summer in this city.
If you are interested in ancient sights - Alexandria has them too. The city was the capital of the Ptolemy Pharaohs and therefore holds a number of ancient Greek and Roman sites.
Pompeii's Pillar, so named in the middle ages, is a granite pillar, over 25 metres high and built amidst the ruins of the Serapuim in 297 A.D., to honour the Emperor Diocletian.
The Roman Theatre discovered at Kom Al-Dekka near the Graeco-Roman Museum, is considered an unique attraction in Egypt, because of its 12 semi-circular marble tiers and being conserved in a relatively good condition.
The Roman Theatre
The Catacombs of the Kom al-Shoqafa complex is the largest Roman cemetery in Egypt. It was built over three levels and cut into the rock to a depth of 100 feet. Dating back to the beginning of the 2nd century A.D., it is a blend of Pharaonic and Roman art.
The Catacombs
The Tombs of Al-Anfushi consist of five Ptolemaic tombs from the third century B.C., they were discovered in 1901 A.D.
The Tombs of Mustafa Kamel (Rushdy) contain four subterranean rock-hewn tombs from the 2nd century B.C. and are distinguished by their bright colours and relief inscriptions that narrate the daily activities and religious beliefs of the deceased.
Al-Shatby Necropolis, built along the lines of old Greek houses, comprises of a doorway, corridor and two chambers. It dates back to the 3rd century B.C., and lies north of Saint Mark's College.
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