Discovering Alexandria: A City Tour Guide
The History of Alexandria
Alexandria, known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” is an ancient city of great significance attracting a crowd of history enthusiasts from around the world. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, and it was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Broaden your understanding with this additional external content! Understand more with this useful link, check out the recommended website.
Today, the city retains its rich historical tradition with dozens ancient ruins, monuments, and landmarks scattered throughout the city. A city tour of Alexandria is a perfect way to explore these sites and learn about the city’s history from a local guide.
Must-Visit Sites in Alexandria
On a city tour, one of the first stops is the Citadel of Qaitbay. Built in the 15th century by the Mamluk Sultanate, the Citadel is located on the eastern point of the Pharos Island, on the same site where the Lighthouse stood. It was built to protect Alexandria from Ottoman Turks and European invaders.
The Roman Amphitheater, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is another must-see attraction in Alexandria. The Amphitheater remained hidden for many centuries beneath the surface of the ground, until it was discovered in the early 20th century.
The Catacombs of Kom El-Shuqqafa should also be on a tourist’s list. The catacombs are an underground tombs complex containing a mix of Egyptian and Greco-Roman art and architecture. The site consists of three levels of underground tunnels and chambers that span almost 80 meters deep.
Exploring Local Culture and Traditions
Alexandria has a rich cultural heritage, and a visit to the city would be incomplete without experiencing the city’s cultural activities.
Horse-drawn carriage rides are popular in Alexandria, where visitors can ride along the city streets and watch the locals go about their daily routines. The Montazah Palace is one of the places where carriage rides can be arranged, overlooking the Alexandria coastline.
The Alexandria National Museum located in a restored palace is another perfect place to learn about the city’s unique history, including ancient artifacts from the city and its surroundings.
Food and Cuisine
Alexandria also has an excellent reputation for its food scene. Egyptian cuisine is well known for its delicious street foods, and Alexandria is no exception.
Alexandria is renowned for its seafood, with fresh, succulent fish caught daily from the Mediterranean. One of the popular street foods is Fuul and Taameya, a healthy, filling and affordable street food. Fuul is a fiery, spiced stew of fava beans, and Taameya is an Egyptian falafel, which is crispy fried, and flavored with cumin and coriander. These foods are readily available along the city streets, making them an excellent option for on-the-go meals.
Conclusion
Alexandria is a city full of history and culture, and a guided tour is an excellent way to explore this beautiful gem of the Mediterranean. The city is full of various activities and attractions to suit any tourist’s interests. Whether it be exploring ancient history, local culture, or experiencing the cuisine, Alexandria never disappoints. Check out this external source to gain more insight into the topic. https://www.pyramidsland.com, explore the subject more extensively.
Get to know other viewpoints in the related posts we’ve picked for you. Enjoy your reading:
Find more details in this comprehensive guide
Understand more with this useful guide