Egypt Excursions » Alexandria
AlexandriaALEXANDRIA
The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The
Pearl of the Mediterranean", has an atmosphere that is more
Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambience and cultural
heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is
actually only 225 km from Cairo. Founded by Alexander the Great
in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt,
its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the
legendary lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
In 19th century Alexandria took a new role, as a focus for
Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion. This Alexandria has
been immortalized by writers such as E.M.Forster and Cavafy.
Generations of immigrants from Greece, Italy and the Levant
settled here and made the city synonymous with commerce,
cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture. Alexandria is a city to
explore at random. It's as important to enjoy the atmosphere as
it is to see the sights.