Alexandria

Founded in 331 BC by 25-year-old Alexander the Great, Alexandria (Al Iskendariyya) is the stuff of legend. Its towering Pharos lighthouse, marking the ancient harbour's entrance, was one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and its Great Library was considered the archive of ancient knowledge. Alas, fate dealt the city a spate of cruel blows. The Pharos collapsed and the Great Library was torched. Part of the ancient city disappeared under the sea and part under the modern city, so there are few visible remains of the glorious past.

Boats in harbour, Alexandria, Egypt

Getty Images/Cultura Exclusive

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Best Things to Do

The fortunes of the Egyptian city of Alexandria have always been tied to its strategic location at the mouth of the Nile. Here are the top things to do.


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