Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

ALEXANDRIA

The bustling coastal city of Alexandria has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Situated in the Nile delta, oft the northern coast of Egypt, it lies along a sweep of bay, its backdrop the sparking Mediterranean Sea. The city is Egypt's main port, conunercial and industrial centre, as well as being one of the most popular Middle Eastern holiday resorts. During the summer months visitors arrive from far and wide, enjoying the coffee shops and cafes, and relaxing on the beach under the shade of a parasol.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great, c.331 BC, as a centre of culture and learning linking Greece to the riches of the Niie Valley. Within the century his city had grown to rival Rome, and was home to Greeks, the world's largest Jewish community and Egyptians. The Great Library of Alexandria, the largest in the world was established, and the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was built. During the following 1,700 years the city rose and fell during numerous invasions, and by 1810, when Mohammed Ali, the Ottoman governor of Egypt, decided to revive it, Alexandria was just a flshing village surrounded by the ruins of its past.

Today, Midan Saad Zaghlul, the large main square facing the waterfront, is the entertainment hub of the city. The Corniche is dotted \Mith casinos and tall, colonial buildings and, in an effort to regain its cultural status, an amazing new complex has been built at its western end. The Biblioteca Alexandrina contains, amongst other things, a superb library.

A French underwater archaeology team have been working here for years and have so far discovered the remains of the Pharos Lighthouse and some astonishing antiquities from what was once the Royal Quarters. Alexandria may not have the Pharaonic treasures of Luxor or Cairo, but its cosmopolitan atmosphere and fascinating history make it well worth exploring.

POPULATION:

3,500,000 (2001) WHEN TO GO: All year round, but April to November
if you want beaches.

DON'T MISS:

Pompey's Pillar - originally part of a temple colonnade raised in 300 AD in honour of Emperor Diocletian. lt is 30m (99ft) high and was wrongly attributed to Pompey - the name has stuck! Kom al Shuqqafa catacombs - this Roman burial site dates back to 2 AD. It was discovered accidentally when a donkey and cart fell through the once covered roof! The Graeco-Roman Museum. The Royal Jewellery Museum. The Roman Amphitheatre.
The Eliyahu Hanabi Synagogue - at 150 years old, this remains the only
active synagogue in Alexandria. Maamoura, Agami and Hannoville beaches.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Alexandria is known as Eskendereyya in fgyptian Arabic. Many famous people lived in Alexandria including Euclid. Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony both dallied with Cleopatra here. fhe fnglish writer Lawrence