Quezi

Alexandria, Egypt - courtesy lyng883 - CC-BY

Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt, and the country’s largest seaport.

It was once home to the largest library in the ancient world. Today It is home to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (the new Great Library of Alexandria). In ancient times, Alexandria was one of the most important of the world’s cities. It was founded in 334 BC by Alexander the Great and remained Egypt’s capital for nearly a thousand years, until the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 641 AD when a new capital was established at Fustat which later became the center of Cairo. Alexandria was also known for the Pharos (Lighthouse of Alexandria. one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). Very little of the ancient city has survived. Most of the royal and civic quarters sank beneath the sea due to subsidence caused by earthquakes.

Today, Alexandria is a dusty seaside town, yet its status as Egypt’s leading port keeps business moving, and tourists flock to the beaches in the summer. Of course, being an Egyptian city, there are many museums and religious sites to visit. Alexandria has the usual collection of malls, department stores and shops as any other large Mediterranean city, nothing unusual. But, Alexandria is famous for having some the best seafood restaurants anywhere, I give you my personal word.

Alexandria is fairly safe. Beware of pickpockets and take normal precautions. Alexandria is also a very conservative city, so women are advised to dress accordingly. Women should also expect to be harassed in the street, especially if walking alone.

Alexandria has an arid Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. January and February are the coldest months with daily maximum temperatures typically ranging from 12 C (53 F) to 18 C (64 F). July and August are the hottest months of the year with an average daily maximum temperature of 31 C (87 F).

Alexandria is served by Al Nozha Airport and Borg al Arab Airport.  Public transportation is tram (which dates back to 1860 and looks the part, but a delightful way to see the city) and taxi.  Alexandrian taxis operate much the same as Cairo taxis.

Alexandria population is 4,110,015 (2006).

+20 is the international calling code for Egypt
3 is the area code for Alexandria

For more information about Alexandria