Alexandria Things to Do Tips by kenmerk

I have to say, the most interesting place that we visited in Alexandria were the Catacombs of Kom ash Shuqqafa.

The catacombs are an underground burial crypt for a (presumably well-off) Roman family in or around the 2nd century AD. A dark and ghoulish looking place, that had accomodated over 300 bodies. The place would not look out of place on an Indiana Jones movie set.

Unfortunately no pix allowed inside the catacombs, so I can't show you what it looks like inside... (might just have to boost a couple pix off the internet, perhaps...)

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At present, only one of the famed seven wonders of the ancient world still exist, which is the Great Pyramids of Giza. However, Egypt also boasted another of the ancient wonders, which was the Lighthouse of Pharos in Alexandria, which was build in 238 BC.

Unfortunately the great lighthouse was felled by an earthquake in the 14th century, and even more unfortunately, this ugly fort (Fort Qaitbey), was built on its foundation, presumably with some of the fallen material from the lighthouse.

Now if I was a member of the Egypt tourist planning board, I think I'd propose to knock the fort down, and rebuild the lighthouse per its original design. That would add considerably to the Alexandria waterfront. (Images of the original lighthouse survive to this day in the form of Venitian artists renderings and elsewhere...)

Just an idea...

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Enjoy the beautiful sunset over the pryamids... Well, THE pyramids are over 200 kilometers away in Giza.... and these pyramids appear to be iron bars welded together...

Well, whatever, the horseshoe shaped Alexandrian coast line does make for a nice place to watch the sunset over the Med, though...

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For a city with such a historic name as Alexandria, there is surprising little left that is intact from the city's glory days of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra.

One relic that does remain is Pompey's pillar at he Serapeum. Though this was once a mighty temple, all that is left now is the large pillar and a couple of sphinxes to adorn the hill top. (it is still possible to line up a decent picture up here, though...)

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Quite a pleasant little museum that covers the Greek and Roman periods in Egypt. The museum has many fine exhibits of statues, coins, and other artifacts from these eras. (as well as the various mummies that I have pictured in the other tips here....)

Located at 5 Al-Mathaf ar-Romani. Costs 16 Egyptian Pounds for admission.

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Alexandria is a beach front town, so best to find a nice place to enjoy the beach.

Most of the waterfront around town doesn't look so inviting for swimming, but one exception is the beach near Montazah Palace, which is used as a summertime residence by El Presidente...

Too chilly to swim on the day I was there, but here is a picture of the nearby lighthouse...

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The many mosque minarets that line the Alexandria skyline are quite picturesque, and the Abu Abbas al-Mursi Mosque down by the waterfront is no exception.

It was built over the sight where a 13th century saint is buried.

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You are welcome to go inside the Mosque and have a look around. The decor is quite ornate, especially the interior of the main dome of the Mosque.

Just check your shoes at the front door and head in. Note: both men and women are welcome, but must enter through separate door. (men through the main front door, and women through the doors around on the left side of the Mosque.)

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