Alexandria

 

Ruler of Macedonia , Alexander the Great founded Alexandria in 332 BC during his Persian crusade, it is also known as Al-Iskandariya in Egyptian Arabic. In ancient period, this city was famous all over the world and remained Egypt's capital for hundreds of years, until the Arabs conquest on Egypt in 641 AD and founded a capital at Fustat (now in Cairo). The city is known as “The Pearl of the Mediterranean” and houses famous monuments such as the Lighthouse of Alexandria (it lists in Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa (Medieval period's Seven Wonders), and the largest library in the ancient world, that is, the Library of Alexandria.

 

Ongoing maritime archaeological excavations in the harbor of Alexandria throws light on Alexandria, both earlier to the advent of Alexander (city named Rhakotis dwelt) and throughout the Ptolemaic dynasty. The splendid architectures of Alexandria can easily be compared with that of Rome and Athens . Alexandria was one of the most important routes for trade between Europe and Asia . This was due to terrestrial link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea . In modern times, this city has population around 5 million and is the second largest city of Egypt . Alexandria posses the largest seaport of the country and it serves around 80% of all of Egypt 's exports and imports. It is also popular as a tourist resort.

 

Some of the most important places worth visiting in Alexandria are Montaza Royal Gardens , Antoniades Park , Shallalat Gardens , Alexandria Zoo, Maamoura Beach , Marina Village , Green Plaza and Fantasy Land .

 

Montaza's Arabic translation is “The Park”. The Montaza Royal Gardens are located in the vicinity of Alexandria , Egypt . It is discerned by its royal palaces and beautiful gardens. Tourists frequently visit this place to view the beautiful sceneries surrounding this area. Popular spots are – the Clock Tower, Montaza Palace , Hany's House, Helnan Palestine Hotel and Salamlek Palace Hotel. Another place worth visiting is Shallalat Gardens . This is a large ancient garden located in the neighboring of Alexandria and occupies a big area of Al Shatby. One can find some remnant of the ancient Alexandria Wall in the garden till date.

 

Alexandria Zoo is also a popular tourist site; it is second largest zoo after the Giza Zoo in Cairo . It has largest fauna collection including endangered species. Some of the species which are source of attraction for tourists are Asian Elephant, Lions, Leopards, Bengal Tigers, Common Hippopotamus, California Sealions, Striped Hyenas, Zebras, Giraffes, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Nilgai and several species of monkey. There is also a ‘birds and small mammals' section and a reptile house in the zoo.

 

Maamoura Beach is situated in the east of Montaza's royal gardens, and is source of large tourist attraction due to its exquisite beach and parks. Popular spots of this beach includes, Presidential Palace of Maamoura, Kauto Park funfair, Paradise Inn Resort and Maamoura Plaza Mall. Maamoura Beach is administered by both the Maamoura Housing and Construction Company and Governorate of Alexandria.