Alexandria, Egypt

Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Egypt_Fishermen_edit.jpg
Author: Rasilon


Alexandria, also called al-Iskandariyya in Arabic, is the second largest city in Egypt. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria is also the country's biggest seaport, with some 80% of Egypt's imports and exports flowing through it. It is an ancient city with a history going back to 331 BC, when it was founded by Alexander the Great. Archaeological excavations have revealed details of a city known as Rhacotis that have existed on the site before the present city was founded.

Corniche at Alexandria, with crashing wave
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alexandria_-_Corniche_with_crashing_wave.JPG
Author: Daniel Mayer


Alexandria served as the capital of Egypt for a thousand years until AD 641, when the Muslim conquest of Egypt led to the founding of a new capital at Fustat, now part of Cairo. The city is the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

The modern city of Alexandria is divided into six districts namely al-Montaza, Sharak, Wassat, al-Amriya, Agamy and al-Gomrok. Within its metropolitan area are two other cities, Borg Al-Arab and New Bor Al-Arab.

Farouk Bridge at Montaza Palace, Alexandria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alexandria_-_Montazah_Palace_-_Farouk_Bridge.JPG
Author: Daniel Mayer

Going to Alexandria

By Plane
Alexandria is served by two airports. The El Nouzha Airport (ALY) is the main airport serving Alexandria. However most of the overseas flights are with cities in the Middle East, and the only flight to Europe is with the city of Athens. The other airport, Borg el Arab Airport (HBE) is served by Emirates from Dubai.

Wave breakers on the Alexandria seafront
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plage_cubique_alexandrie_1.JPG
Author: Papillus


By Train
There are plenty of train services connecting Cairo with Alexandria. The speediest train is the French-built Turbo, which makes the journey between the two cities in 2 hours 10 minutes and costs LE 50 / 35 for the 1st and 2nd class seats respectively. Reservation is required. By Road
If you are arriving in Cairo, you can take a bus from either downtown Cairo or the Cairo airport to Alexandria. If you are able driving, your can make the journey within about 3 hours, depending on traffic condition. There is a speed limit of between 90 km/hr to 100km/hr depending on the highway you took.

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