known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", has an atmosphere that
is more Mediterranean than 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 that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and
Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the center of learning in the
ancient world. But ancient Alexandria declined, and when
Napoleon landed, he found a sparsely populated fishing
village.
- From the 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.
