Alexandria, Egypt

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Alexandria, Egypt

Region: Alexandria, Egypt is located in Alexandria Governorate

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Geographic Coordinates: 31.197500, 29.892500

Climate: Alexandria, Egypt has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

Population: 4870000

Language: Arabic

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Alexandria, Egypt is a city with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, It was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and quickly became a hub for trade and culture throughout the ancient world. Today, Alexandria is renowned for its impressive architecture, Cultural heritage and lively ambiance. One of the most famous landmarks in Alexandria is Pharos, An ancient lighthouse built over 2, 000 years ago that stood at over 130 meters tall. Although it has been destroyed by earthquakes long ago, Visitors can still see its ruins today.

Another popular attraction is Pompey’s Pillar – a massive column standing over 25 meters tall that dates back to Roman times. It was built to honor Emperor Diocletian after he saved Alexandria from an earthquake. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is another must-see landmark when visiting this city. This modern library pays homage to the original Library of Alexandria which was destroyed centuries ago. Its unique angular design and glass exterior make it a masterpiece of modern architecture.

For those interested in Egyptian history and culture, There are several museums worth exploring such as The Greco-Roman Museum showcasing artifacts from both Greek and Roman periods; The National Museum displaying Egyptian art dating back thousands of years; or The Royal Jewelry Museum exhibiting exquisite jewelry worn by members of Egypt’s royal family.

Food enthusiasts will be pleased to indulge in some traditional Egyptian cuisine while exploring this vibrant city with dishes like koshari (a mix of rice, Lentils & pasta topped with tomato sauce), Ful medames (a stew made from fava beans), Ta’meya (Egyptian falafel) or grilled seafood fresh from Mediterranean waters while sipping sweet tea or coffee at one of many cafes scattered throughout the city. but not leastly , Taking a stroll along the Corniche – scenic coastal road stretching for several kilometers offering stunning views of Mediterranean sea – should be on the top of your list.

It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, People-watch, And enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Alexandria is a city with something to offer everyone. Whether you are interested in history, Culture, Food or simply soaking up some sun on its beautiful beaches – there is no shortage of things to see and do here. With its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, It’s easy to see why this city has been captivating visitors for thousands of years.

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1. The Citadel of Qaitbay
2. Pompey’s Pillar
3. Alexandria Library
4. Montazah Palace Gardens
5. Roman Amphitheatre
6. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
7. Abu Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
8. Anfushi Tombs
9. Stanley Bridge (El Malek El Saleh Bridge)
10. Corniche and Seafront Promenade

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1. Tourism is a significant industry in Alexandria due to its rich history and cultural heritage that attracts visitors from around the world.
2. The city’s location on the Mediterranean Sea makes it an important port for shipping.
3. Alexandria has a significant manufacturing industry that includes textiles, food processing, and chemicals.
4. The surrounding area of Alexandria is known for its agricultural production of crops such as cotton, rice, and vegetables.
5. There are several oil refineries located in the city that contribute to the country’s oil exports.
6. Several universities and educational institutions make up the education sector in Alexandria attracting students from across Egypt and beyond.
7. Healthcare is essential with numerous hospitals serving both locals and tourists alike within the city limits.
8. Banking/finance plays a crucial role with several national banks having branches located within Alexandria making it an important financial center for the region.

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Historical Events in Alexandria

1. Foundation of Alexandria by Alexander the Great in 331 BC.
2. The building of the Great Library of Alexandria in the 3rd century BC.
3. The Battle of Alexandria between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII’s forces in 47 BC.
4. The Arab conquest of Egypt and Alexandria in AD 641.
5. Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion and occupation of Egypt, including Alexandria, from 1798 to 1801.
6. The bombardment and fall of Alexandria during World War II by British forces in July 1942.

Notable People from Alexandria

1. Alexander the Great, who founded the city.
2. Cleopatra VII, who ruled Egypt from Alexandria during the Hellenistic period.
3. Hypatia, a mathematician and philosopher who was murdered by a Christian mob in AD 415.
4. Saint Cyril, patriarch of Alexandria who played a significant role in early Christian theology.
5. Lawrence Durrell, British novelist who lived in Alexandria for several years and wrote The Alexandrian Quartet.

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1. Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a contemporary library and cultural center that pays tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria.
2. Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century fortress constructed on the site where the Pharos Lighthouse once stood.
3. Pompey’s Pillar is a 30-meter-tall Roman column built in 297 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian.
4. Montazah Palace Gardens offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and features an exquisite park and palace complex.
5. Alexandria National Museum showcases artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, making it an archaeological museum worth visiting.
6. Graeco-Roman Museum houses Greco-Roman antiquities found in Alexandria, making it another must-see museum.
7. El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque is one of Alexandria’s most significant Islamic landmarks named after its patron saint.
8. Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Shrine is a revered Sufi shrine situated near El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque.
9. Anfushi Tombs & Catacombs are underground tombs dating back to the Pharaonic era that make up an extensive necropolis worth exploring.
10. San Stefano Grand Plaza boasts many international brands and restaurants with breathtaking views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, making it an ideal shopping destination for tourists visiting Alexandria.

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1. Alexandria Sporting Club (ASC) is a well-known and long-standing sports club in Alexandria, Egypt. Established in 1898, it boasts a proud history of success across multiple sports including football, basketball, handball, volleyball, swimming and tennis.
2. The ASC football team is one of the most accomplished teams in Egyptian history with numerous domestic titles under their belt including seven Egyptian Premier League titles and four Egyptian Cup championships.
3. The club’s basketball team is also highly regarded having won multiple league titles.
4. Smouha Sporting Club is another notable sporting organization in Alexandria. Founded in 1949, it has a strong presence across various sports such as football, basketball, handball, volleyball and swimming.
5. Smouha SC’s football team has been competing at the highest level of Egyptian soccer for many years.
6. Aside from these two clubs mentioned above there are several other smaller clubs that participate across various local leagues within different sports such as Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club (football), Al-Olympi Alexandria Club (basketball), El-Horeya Sporting Club (handball), El-Zohour Sporting Club (volleyball) among others.

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1. Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Book Fair
2. Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival
3. Alexandria International Song Festival
4. Alexandria Summer Festival
5. Cleopatra Arts and Culture Festival
6. El Gouna Film Festival (hosted in nearby city of El Gouna)
7. Heliopolis International Music and Folklore Festival (hosted in nearby city of Heliopolis)
8. Ramadan Lanterns Exhibition (during the month of Ramadan)
9. Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
10. Coptic Christmas Celebrations at Saint Mark’s Cathedral

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1. Seafood: Alexandria is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, shrimp, calamari and octopus. Some famous seafood restaurants include Fish Market Restaurant and El Shabrawy Seafood.
2. Koshary: A traditional Egyptian dish made from rice, lentils, pasta and topped with tomato sauce and fried onions. Abou Tarek is a famous restaurant that serves koshary.
3. Foul: A popular breakfast dish made from fava beans with spices and served with bread. Foul El Gamal is a famous restaurant that serves foul.
4. Shawarma: A Middle Eastern sandwich made of meat (usually chicken or beef), vegetables and sauces wrapped in pita bread or lavash bread. Abu Ashraf is a famous restaurant that serves shawarma.
5. Egyptian Pizza (Feteer): A thin pastry filled with cheese, meat or vegetables baked in a wood-fired oven. Al-Masryeen Feteer is a famous restaurant that serves feteer.
6. Molokhia: A green leafy vegetable cooked into stew form usually eaten over rice. Samakmak Restaurant offers Molokhia as well as other traditional dishes.
7. Basbousa: A sweet dessert cake made of semolina soaked in syrup. Sweis Lebanese Bakery offers Basbousa among many other desserts.
8. Tahiniya: A sesame paste dip used to eat alongside falafel, shawarma, and kofta sandwiches. The Greek Club offers Tahiniya among many Mediterranean dishes.
9. Kofta: Ground beef mixed with spices formed into patties then grilled on skewers. You can find Kofta at almost any street vendor or small cafe around the city.
10. Mezze platter: A variety of dips, salads, and appetizers served together with bread. Abou Sid is a popular restaurant that serves a variety of mezze platters.

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1. Montazah Palace Gardens: This beautiful park boasts manicured lawns, colorful flowers, and a palace that was once the summer residence of the royal family.
2. Alexandria Zoo: A popular attraction for families with children, featuring a variety of animals from around the world.
3. Qaitbay Citadel: This historic fortress is located on the Mediterranean coast and offers stunning views of the city and sea.
4. Stanley Bridge: A pedestrian bridge over the Nile River that connects Alexandria to its sister city, Rosetta.
5. Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A modern library and cultural center that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other events throughout the year.
6. San Stefano Grand Plaza Mall: One of Alexandria’s largest shopping centers with stores, restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment venues.
7. Corniche waterfront promenade: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along this scenic coastal pathway which stretches several kilometers along Alexandria’s shoreline.
8. Sporting Club Beach: This private beach club offers swimming pools, water sports activities, tennis courts, football fields as well as restaurants & bars.
9. Al-Montaza Park Beach: This public beach is situated in Montaza Park which is one of Alexandria’s most beautiful gardens.
10. Smouha Sporting Club: The club features many sports facilities including football fields, basketball courts, fitness center & swimming pool.

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