This guide takes you on a journey through Alexandria’s layered heritage, where the footprints of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and modern Egyptians overlap and intertwine in fascinating ways. We’ll trace the city’s evolution from its founding by Alexander the Great to its role as a center of learning, commerce, and cultural exchange.

The Greek Legacy: Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, and it quickly became one of the most important cities in the ancient world. It was the home of the famous Library of Alexandria, a center of knowledge that attracted scholars from all corners of the Mediterranean. We’ll explore the city’s Greek origins, its early history, and the lasting influence of Hellenistic thought on the city’s culture.

Roman Alexandria: Under Roman rule, Alexandria became a thriving metropolis and a key player in the empire’s trade routes. The city’s Roman legacy is still visible today in its ancient ruins, from the Pompey’s Pillar to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. We’ll visit these sites and uncover how Alexandria was an essential part of the Roman world.

Arab Alexandria: The Islamic conquest of Alexandria in the 7th century brought with it a new wave of culture and influence. The city became a key part of the Arab world, with new mosques, markets, and institutions built on top of the old. We’ll explore how the Arab influence transformed Alexandria and how the city blended Islamic traditions with its ancient Greek and Roman past.

Modern Alexandria: Today, Alexandria is a vibrant city, a mix of ancient heritage and contemporary life. We’ll walk through its colonial-era neighborhoods, visit its bustling markets, and dive into the city’s modern culture, which continues to be shaped by its diverse past. The city is constantly evolving, yet the whispers of its ancient cosmopolitan identity still echo in its streets.

Key Stops:
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, housing millions of books and offering a glimpse into the city’s intellectual legacy.

Pompey’s Pillar: A towering Roman column that stands as a testament to Alexandria’s prominence in the ancient world.

Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs: A fascinating blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architecture, these catacombs reveal how Alexandria’s cultures coexisted.

The Citadel of Qaitbay: A 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.