Alexandria is primarily known for its lighthouse, which was considered the last of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It stood on the island of Pharos, but unfortunately was destroyed during an earthquake around 1100. The city is located west of the Nile Delta, where the river meets the Mediterranean Sea. In the past, it was a strategic hub for trade. Alexandria was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, when he defeated the Persians and conquered Egypt. Legend has it that Homer appeared to him in a dream and told him to build a city bearing his name.

The dream was not the only motivation for the emperor to found this city; indeed, Alexandria's location on the Mediterranean coast made it an ideal setting for developing commerce, which flourished throughout the region during that era.

Alexandria developed rapidly. The architect Dinocrates of Rhodes quickly embarked on ambitious construction projects: fresh water supply systems, theaters, walls, and more. Thanks to his vision, the city still retains to this day a rectangular layout crossed by broad avenues, with right angles at every intersection. This nearly perfect geometry enabled better communication between the city's various quarters.

After Alexander the Great's death, Ptolemy, a childhood friend of the emperor, took power and became king of Egypt, founding a dynasty that would rule for over 300 years. From his ascension, Alexandria became a renowned cultural and scientific hub throughout the Hellenistic world. Moreover, unlike Athens, Alexandria was a cosmopolitan city where Egyptians, Greeks, and Jews coexisted without friction. Several celebrated structures and monuments were built during Ptolemy's reign: the Great Library, which housed works by the most renowned Greek philosophers, scientists, and poets, such as Sophocles and Homer, the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, two harbors facilitating trade, the Museum where many scholars, including Euclid, worked, and a School devoted to advancing knowledge. However, when the Ptolemaic dynasty's reign came to an end, Alexandria lost much of its prestige.

In the 20th century, the city suffered bombing during the war. Today, only a few remnants of the ancient city remain. When visiting, don't expect to see the old Alexandria. The city has been entirely rebuilt and resembles a modern metropolis that nonetheless carries traces of its legendary past.

Among the many sites to visit: the Odeon, or small Roman theater, built in the 3rd century AD, located near Alexandria's train station. Part of the theater has been reconstructed, while another section remains in its original state. Within the modern city itself, you'll be impressed to see these ancient remnants. It's a pleasant visit where tourists flock to take photographs. The theater is well-preserved and quite extensive.

The Abu Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is equally a magnificent monument that contributes to the city's charm. Brilliantly white, it rises along the waterfront amid the road and palm trees.

A visit to the Catacombs of Kom-el-Shawqafa is a must. Entirely carved into rock during the 2nd century AD, the catacombs form an immense funerary complex that could accommodate over 300 burials. They were designed on three levels; the ground floor is partially flooded, but ascending the spiral staircase grants access to the two upper levels. You'll find a dining hall (triclinium), where funerary meals were held, and the main tomb. What's most extraordinary about these catacombs is the blend of symbolism from three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.

Upon leaving the catacombs, nearby you can visit the Column of Pompeius and its two sphinxes. It's a red granite column standing over 30 meters high. It was built in honor of the Roman emperor Diocletian. The two sphinxes surrounding it were recently discovered in 1906.

Another famous Alexandria landmark: Qaytbay Fort, believed to occupy the site of the legendary lighthouse—one of the city's most beautiful monuments. The citadel was built on an island, connected to the mainland by a causeway leading toward Alexandria's Eastern harbor. From Qaytbay Fortress, you'll have views of the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which houses an archaeology museum. It's a worthwhile visit; the library's modern façade symbolizes the solar disk. The architects wanted to pay homage to their heritage by constructing a new library faithful to the ancients' vision.

If you enjoy browsing for treasures, explore the Al Attarine district, where the city's best antique dealers and merchants are concentrated. You'll find everything you could want: jewelry, regional products, clothing, and more. Additionally, the Mosque of Attarine, originally a church, is worth seeing.

Alexandria is a vibrant, commercial, and modern city, yet its rare remnants are steeped in a rich, almost legendary history. This blend of modernity and legend comprises the entire magic of this city.