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There is something inviting about Alexandria. It could be the sea air that is so subtly salt-scented and spiced. Maybe it’s the discreet whispers of ancient stone embedded between concrete towers. Perhaps it’s just how this Egyptian city exists as part of an ancient history and yet lives absolutely simultaneously in a modern world. Nevertheless, Alexandria possesses a rhythm of its own\u2014and once you get the feel of it, you can’t stop.<\/p>\n
In Alexandria, ancient ruins sit silently just steps away from street vendors selling mint tea, bustling with color and life. It’s where you can stroll around a Roman amphitheater in the morning and negotiate for antiques in the afternoon. Alexandria is not one thing. There are many, and that is exactly what makes it so unforgettable.<\/p>\n
Let’s start where Alexandria really shines: its history<\/a>. Established by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city quickly developed into one of the ancient world’s most vibrant centers of knowledge, culture, and commerce. And although much of its original glory is now beneath our feet, what remains is still awe-inspiring.<\/p>\n Begin with the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, tucked away in a quiet part of the city. This underground necropolis dates back to the 2nd century and is a surreal mash-up of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman design. You\u2019ll descend a spiral staircase into a maze of chambers and carvings, with statues wearing pharaonic headdresses and Roman togas. It\u2019s strange, haunting, and deeply fascinating.<\/p>\n Just across is Pompey’s Pillar, a gigantic 27-meter column towering over the nearby ruins of the Serapeum. Nothing to do with Pompey the Great\u2014long story\u2014but it’s a powerful symbol of the city’s Roman past. You can almost see the temples and statues that once ringed it, long since eaten away by time, standing next to it.<\/p>\n And then, naturally, there’s the Citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria’s most iconic waterfront citadel. It was built in the 15th century from pieces of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. While earthquakes have long destroyed the lighthouse itself, the citadel keeps its memory with its formidable walls, sea breezes, and marine heritage. Stroll along the ramparts, and you can practically hear the echoes of ancient mariners sailing into the bay.<\/p>\n