Alexandria (Iskendariyya)

Much of Alexandria's history has gone. It is either 6m underground or under the sea. But here are some of the sights we saw.

View from our hotel at Montazah, Alex The mediterranean - lined with high rises that reminded some on the tour of the Gold Coast Alexandria is famous for its seafood. Here locals get their own.

Front view of Fort Qaitbey (on site of Pharos lighthouse). Built in 1480 Back view of Fort Qaitbey - being rebuilt Close up of erosion of sandstone by the sea. Just how much of the 1480 structure is left?

One of the sphinxes at the Serapeum. These were originally from Heliopolis.
Note the contrast in the housing in the background. "Pompey's pillar" in the Serapeum. This 30m pink granite column was actually erected for Diocletian in 293CE. However, apparently, it is the only ancient monument thatis whole and standing in Alex. Not all the housing is modern and upmarket.

Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa. Roman burial site from 2nd century CE can hold 300 corpses. Discovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into a hole in the ground. Inside the Bibliotheca Alexandria. This was inspired by the original Great Library. Finished in 2002 it is designed to hold 8 million books.
There are also three small museums in the building including one with old manuscripts. Back view of Bibliotheca Alexandria. This is covered with symbols from every known alphabet.

Maria, Aida Nour, and Elenie modelling their costumes from Aida who met us in her home town of Alexandria. The group at the Samalek Palace in the Montazah Palace Gardens. "Belle Vista" where we got to taste the local sea food.

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View from our hotel at Montazah, Alex	The mediterranean - lined with high rises that reminded some on the tour of the Gold Coast	Alexandria is famous for its seafood. Here locals get their own.

Front view of Fort Qaitbey (on site of Pharos lighthouse). Built in 1480	Back view of Fort Qaitbey - being rebuilt	Close up of erosion of sandstone by the sea. Just how much of the 1480 structure is left?


One of the sphinxes at the Serapeum. These were originally from Heliopolis. Note the contrast in the housing in the background.	"Pompey's pillar" in the Serapeum. This 30m pink granite column was actually erected for Diocletian in 293CE. However, apparently, it is the only ancient monument thatis whole and standing in Alex.	Not all the housing is modern and upmarket.


Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa. Roman burial site from 2nd century CE can hold 300 corpses. Discovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into a hole in the ground.	Inside the Bibliotheca Alexandria. This was inspired by the original Great Library. Finished in 2002 it is designed to hold 8 million books. There are also three small museums in the building including one with old manuscripts.	Back view of Bibliotheca Alexandria. This is covered with symbols from every known alphabet.

Maria, Aida Nour, and Elenie modelling their costumes from Aida who met us in her home town of Alexandria.	The group at the Samalek Palace in the Montazah Palace Gardens.	"Belle Vista" where we got to taste the local sea food.