Overview of Alexandria Egypt
Many people wonder why they should visit Alexandria and what makes it so special with its Montaza palace. In this article, we’ll answer that by highlighting five of the most important tourist and archaeological landmarks that define the city.
Alexandria isn’t just famous for its beauty and its evident Greek foundations laid by Alexander the Great.
It’s also home to significant historical sites like Qaitbay Citadel and the Alexandria National Museum, proving it’s far more than just a recreational tourist destination—it’s a city with deep, rooted historical origins.
In this article, we will take you on a tour to explore five of its most prominent attractions that make Alexandria an unforgettable destination.
Topping our list are the splendor of Montaza Palace, the grandeur of the ancient Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the mysterious depths of the Catacombs of Alexandria
By the end, you’ll discover for yourself why Alexandria is not just a city for leisure, but a journey into the heart of history, as follows:
- Why Should Catacombs of Alexandria Be at Top of Your Bucket List?
- Why is Bibliotheca Alexandrina a Must-see?
- Ticket of Bibliotheca Alexandrina Library: Costs and Places To Buy
- What Makes Montaza Palace a Key Attraction in Alexandria?
- Montaza Palace: Opening Hours, Ticket Prices,
- Why Do You Need To Visit Qaitbay Citadel Alexandria?
- Journey Through Time in Alexandria National Museum
- Tips To Enjoy Your Visit In Alexandria
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Why Should Catacombs of Alexandria Be at Top of Your Bucket List?
The Catacombs of Alexandria, also familiar with the Kom El Shoqafa Tombs, are among the oldest and most significant archaeological burial sites in Egypt.
Workers discovered the tombs by chance during excavation in 1892, and completed the full excavation by 1900. The tombs date back to the Roman era.
These catacombs stand on the western edge of ancient Alexandria’s necropolis, specifically in the historical area of “Rhakotis.”
The ancient Romans named Alexandria “Rhakotis,” a name derived from the Old Egyptian “Ra-gadit,” as noted in an inscription from the era of Ptolemy I.
The name “Catacombs” became associated with these tombs due to their architectural resemblance to the Christian catacombs carved underground in Rome; the term “catacomb” generally refers to underground burial chambers.
The tomb complex features a unique design consisting of three levels, centered around a spiral staircase.
The lower steps of the staircase are notably high, with their height gradually decreasing as one ascends, almost disappearing near the surface.
Archaeologists discovered these catacombs as the largest Roman public burial site in Alexandria, dating back to the 2nd century AD.
To experience the historical depth of the Catacombs of Alexandria, you can easily purchase your entry tickets through the official website of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The Catacombs welcome visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a ticket price of 200 EGP.
On the other hand, admission is free for children under 6 years old.
Additionally, capturing memories of your visit is made easy, as photography with mobile phones is permitted free of charge.
Discover everything you need to know about the Catacombs of Alexandria and let tour guides from Simsem App help you design your tours.
Why is Bibliotheca Alexandrina a Must-see?
The history of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina can be broadly divided into two main periods: the Ancient Library era, established in the early 3rd century BCE, and its Modern Revival, which began in the 1980s.
Now let’s embark on a journey through time to explore the history of the Library of Alexandria, from its inception and flourishing to its decline, and then the circumstances that led to its revival.
The History of Bibliotheca Alexandrina
In ancient times, Alexandria was renowned for its legendary library, a universal beacon of knowledge and learning.
The Ancient Library of Alexandria was known for a long time as one of the Hellenistic civilization’s greatest achievements.
Founded in the early 3rd century BCE, likely by Ptolemy I or II, it was an integral part of a larger research complex known as the Museion (Temple of the Muses).
The ancient version of the Library was home to an immense collection of manuscripts that was estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands and were gathered from across the ancient world.
This made it a premier center for philosophical, scientific, and literary studies.
This enormous collection of manuscripts attracted scholars and thinkers, who later contributed significantly to the development of mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and geography.
After centuries, the ancient Library was destroyed and lost all its invaluable intellectual treasures due to a series of devastating events.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s Revival
The project to revive the Library of Alexandria represents an ambitious initiative to resurrect a global symbol of lost knowledge.
The idea to reconstruct the Library emerged in the 1980s, strongly supported by UNESCO and the Egyptian government, with the aim of restoring Alexandria’s status as a global cultural and scientific hub.
The new library was inaugurated in 2002, featuring a unique architectural design that blends authenticity with contemporary elements.
The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina is more than just a repository for books; it is a fully integrated cultural center boasting a wide array of modern facilities, making it a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and inter-civilizational dialogue.
The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina offers a diverse range of projects and services that extend beyond the traditional concept of a library, establishing it as a hub for innovation and scientific research.
The Library currently holds over eight million books, in addition to a vast collection of rare manuscripts, documents, and audiovisual materials.
Furthermore, the Library organizes numerous international conferences, seminars, workshops, and art exhibitions, reinforcing its role as a platform for cultural and intellectual exchange.
It continuously strives to digitize its contents to provide wider access to information and supports scientific research through partnerships with global research institutions.
Want to know why the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a must visit? Read this article to be fully aware or hire a local guide from Simsem App .
Ticket of Bibliotheca Alexandrina Library: Costs and Places To Buy
Ticket prices for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Library vary depending on which sections you wish to visit.
You can opt for an all-inclusive ticket that grants access to most areas, or purchase separate tickets for individual sections.
Ticket Prices
- All-Inclusive Ticket
This ticket allows access to the Main Bibliotheca Alexandrina Library, in addition to the Manuscripts Museum, the Antiquities Museum, and all free museums.
- For Students: 120 EGP.
- For Adults: 300 EGP.
Important Note for Main Library Access: Entry to the Main Library is permitted for ages 4 to 16 only up to the “Callimachus Triangle”:
- 4 – 6 years old: Entry with a library ticket for non-Egyptians.
- 6 – 16 years old: Entry with a library ticket (for all).
- Separate Tickets
If you prefer to visit specific sections, here are the details for individual tickets:
- Main Bibliotheca Alexandrina Library Tickets: Includes guided tours, Civilization Panorama shows, the Sadat Museum, as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- For Students: 20 EGP.
- For Adults: 150 EGP.
- Antiquities Museum Tickets:
- For Students: 50 EGP.
- For Adults: 100 EGP.
- Manuscripts Museum Tickets:
- For Students: 30 EGP.
- For Adults: 60 EGP.
- History of Science Museum Tickets:
- For Students and Adults: 50 EGP.
- Planetarium Science Center Tickets
Special tickets for Planetarium shows, the Science Museum, and the ALEXploratorium can be purchased at the Planetarium entrance. These are separate from the all-inclusive tickets:
- Planetarium Science Center: 200 EGP (for students and adults).
- Exploratorium Hall (ALEXploratorium): 150 EGP (for students and adults).
- 12D Shows: 150 EGP (for students and adults).
- Photography Tickets for the Antiquities Museum
- Mobile phone photography: Free of charge.
- Professional camera photography: 250 EGP (for photos), and 400 EGP (for videos).
Purchasing Tickets and Booking Events
You can purchase entry tickets for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina library at the ticket counter upon arrival.
And if you want to book a seat for any of the library’s events or Planetarium Science Center activities, you can book your ticket online through the official library website.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina Library welcomes visitors according to the following schedule:
- Main Reading Area:
- Opens from Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Opens from Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Friday: Closed.
- Visits, Museums, and Planetarium Science Center:
- Opens from Sunday to Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Opens from Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Friday: Closed.
- Children’s Library, Young Adults’ Library, and Taha Hussein Library:
- Opens from Sunday to Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Opens from Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Taha Hussein Library will be closed on Saturdays).
- Friday: Closed.
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What Makes Montaza Palace a Key Attraction in Alexandria?
Montaza Palace in Alexandria stands as a magnificent architectural and natural masterpiece, originally built by Muhammad Ali Pasha to serve as a summer retreat for his family.
The palace sits on an elevated plateau, overlooking Montazah Bay and surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands.
Covering 370 acres in Montaza, these grounds mark it as one of the world’s rare gems of beauty.
When you visit Montaza Palace, there are several essential landmarks to explore:
- Luxurious Gates and Gardens: Take time to admire the palace’s colossal gates and wander through its expansive gardens. These gardens are home to rare tropical plant species, some of which have retained their splendor for over 75 years.
- Historical Landmarks: Visit the famous Clock Tower and Roman-style Tea Kiosk overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
- Natural Swimming Pools: See the natural swimming pools built for the King and princesses, merging into the Mediterranean.
- Princesses’ Cinema: Explore the walled garden cinema, created exclusively for the princesses’ entertainment.
- Haramlek and Salamlek Palaces: Discover Haramlek for royal women and Salamlek built for male courtiers. The first floor of the Salamlek serves as an international casino, and the upper floors house a luxurious hotel.
- Beaches and Tourist Facilities: Enjoy the various tourist facilities available.
- Montazah Gardens overlook five enchanting beaches: Cleopatra, Aida, Venezia, Semiramis, and a private beach belonging to the Helnan Palestine Hotel, which also features a water sports and diving center.
Montaza Palace: Opening Hours, Ticket Prices
Montaza Palace and its gardens in Alexandria are open to visitors every day of the week, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The main palace isn’t open to the public, but visitors can enjoy the expansive gardens and their excellent facilities.
- Ticket Price: Approximately 50 EGP per person.
- Children: Young children are usually exempt from fees, typically free of charge for those under 6-7 years old, in line with local visitor policies.
- Identification: Visitors must register with the guards at the gate by presenting a passport or national ID.
Remember that Prices might vary slightly depending on the season or updates from tourism authorities.
So, always check the latest prices at the gate or through an official government announcement before your visit.
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Why Do You Need To Visit Qaitbay Citadel Alexandria?
Qaitbay Citadel Alexandria stands as one of the most prominent defensive fortresses on the Mediterranean coast.
The Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qaitbay constructed it on the ashes of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, known as the Pharos of Alexandria, at the eastern tip of Pharos Island (now called Anfoushi).
The primary objective behind its construction was to fortify the city of Alexandria and protect it from any potential naval invasions.
The citadel, built from limestone, spans an area of approximately 1,750 square meters.
An outer wall punctuated by defensive towers encircles it, while the inner wall encloses a courtyard that once housed chambers used as barracks for soldiers and storage for weapons and provisions.
The main entrance of the citadel leads to a courtyard, dominated on its northwest side by the main fortress itself – a three-story square structure.
The corners of the fortress are adorned with four semi-circular towers, culminating in prominent balconies that served defensive purposes.
The citadel also includes a cistern to provide water for soldiers and horses.
Throughout history, Qaitbay Citadel Alexandria has received significant attention from successive sultans and rulers due to its strategic location.
It has undergone numerous reinforcement, expansion, and restoration works, with the most recent being in 2003 AD.
To enjoy your tour at Qaitbay Citadel Alexandria, you need to know that the citadel opens its doors for visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
And the ticket prices are at 100 EGP for students and 200 EGP for adults.
Important Payment Note: Tickets for Qaitbay Citadel must be purchased at the ticket counter using bank cards only. Cash payments are not accepted.
Discover The Pharos of Alexandria History
Before Qaitbay Citadel proudly stood on Alexandria’s coastline, this historic site was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the legendary Pharos of Alexandria.
The architect Sostratus of Knidos built this engineering marvel during the reign of King Ptolemy II (285–246 BCE).
Its primary purpose was to clearly mark the location of Alexandria from the sea, especially given that Egypt’s coastline is largely composed of silt, making it difficult to spot from a distance.
The Pharos of Alexandria wasn’t just a landmark; it was also a vital guide for sailors, helping them navigate safely away from the limestone barriers lining the shore.
Furthermore, the lighthouse of Alexandria played a crucial role in naval defense, acting as both a fortress and a beacon protecting the city.
The Pharos of Alexandria was distinguished by its mirror, as being its most magnificent features, and its brazier.
From this brazier, a column of fire burned brightly all night, transforming into a column of smoke during the day.
Over time, the lighthouse suffered damage and endured numerous earthquakes and successive restoration efforts, including those ordered by Baybars and Ibn Tulun. However, in the 14th century, an earthquake ultimately led to its complete collapse.
In 1480 CE, Sultan Abu al-Nasr Qaitbay built a new citadel on the site where the ancient lighthouse had been demolished.
To this day, the citadel retains the distinctive square base of the original lighthouse and continues to guard the entrances to both harbors, standing as a living testament to the great lighthouse’s enduring legacy.
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Journey Through Time in Alexandria National Museum
The Alexandria National Museum is housed within a luxurious palace that originally belonged to the wealthy timber merchant, Asaad Basily.
He built the palace in the Italian style and owned it until 1954, then sold it to the American Embassy for use as its consulate.
In 1996, the Supreme Council of Antiquities purchased the palace. Following extensive restoration and renovation, it opened in September 2003 as Alexandria’s national museum.
Treasures and Exhibits of the Alexandria National Museum
The museum displays over 1,800 artifacts showcasing Egypt’s rich history from the Old Kingdom to the modern age.
Collectors gathered these pieces from diverse museums, including the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Coptic Museum in Cairo, as well as the Graeco-Roman Museum and the submerged and Islamic antiquities collections in Alexandria.
Among its most notable exhibits are:
- A statue of an Egyptian scribe and a collection of vessels discovered in the pyramid of King Djoser.
- Rare artworks from periods of artistic flourishing, such as a head of Queen Hatshepsut, a head of King Akhenaten, and a collection of statues of Thutmose III, the god Amun, and King Ramesses II.
- The Underwater Antiquities Hall, which features a remarkable collection of artifacts retrieved from the seabed.
This includes a black granite statue of the goddess Isis, a statue of one of her priests, and a collection of marble statues and portraits of Greek deities like Venus (goddess of love), and a head of Alexander the Great.
The Alexandria National Museum welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Ticket Prices:
- Students: 110 EGP
- Adults: 220 EGP
You can buy tickets online from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website or at the ticket counter on arrival. You should know that mobile photos are free of charge, and children under 6 can enter the museum for free.
Thinking that Alexandria National Museum is not worth visiting? Think again and consider hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.
Tips To Enjoy Your Visit In Alexandria
Alexandria is a city brimming with history, culture, and a unique coastal charm.
To help you make the most of your visit, these are some essential tips for visiting this fascinating city:
- Walk and Wander: Alexandria’s city center, especially around its historical sites and the Corniche, is best explored on foot.
You’ll discover hidden gems, charming cafes, and beautiful architecture by simply strolling around.
- Embrace Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available and generally affordable.
Agree on the fare before your journey, or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem for convenience and transparent pricing.
- The Tram is an Experience: For a truly local and historical feel, hop on one of Alexandria’s iconic trams.
It’s a slow but scenic way to see parts of the city and connect with its past.
- Consider a Guided Tour: If you’re keen on understanding the deep history behind sites like the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a knowledgeable local guide can significantly enrich your experience.
- Savor the Seafood: As a coastal city, Alexandria boasts incredible fresh seafood.
Be sure to try some of the local fish restaurants along the Corniche or in the fishing port area.
- Bargaining is Common : If you’re shopping in local markets, don’t shy away from bargaining. It’s an expected part of the shopping experience.
- Dress Respectfully: While Alexandria is more relaxed than some other Egyptian cities, it’s always a good idea to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Stay Hydrated: Especially during summer months, make sure to drink plenty of water.
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