Location: Alexandria
Top Things to do in Alexandria
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5 Ancient Ruins in Alexandria That You Shouldn't Miss
The Pearl of the Mediterranean has an ambiance more in keeping with its neighbors to the north than with those in the Middle East. Site of Pharos lighthouse, one of the Wonders of the World, and of Anthony and Cleopatra’s tempestuous romance, the city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Today, Alexandria offers fascinating insights into its proud Greek past, as well as interesting mosques, the casino strip of the Corniche, some lovely gardens and both modern and traditional hotels. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Restaurants in Alexandria
1. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 680 reviews
An ancient circular staircase leads down into these tombs that were tunneled into the bedrock during the age of the Antonine emporers (2nd century AD).
Reviewed By 394valeriej
The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (meaning "Mound of Shards") is a great historical archaeological site. There are all types of statues, objects, and tombs within the burial chamber. Those visiting the tombs left some of the objects. There are signs or inspirations of the Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures. The catacombs need repair and protection from water. The lower level is flooded. It is obvious that the Egyptians are working on the Catacombs; more help is needed. It would be very sad if anything were to happen. The catacombs are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
2. Pompey's Pillar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 471 reviews
This 25-meter-high granite column was constructed in honor of the Emperor Diocletian in AD 297.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Pompey’s Pillar is the name of a Roman triumphal column. The reference to Pompey is a misnomer, assigned mistakenly by early travelers. The pillar was dedicated sometime around 297-303 AD in honor of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and would have supported a massive statue of him. Made of red Aswan granite, the tapered column now stands about 89 ft (27 m) high and 9 ft (2.7 m) at its base. I felt very tiny standing next to this massive structure! The pillar is flanked by two sphinxes brought from Heliopolis. There’s not much else here. The remainder of the site is basically the ruins of the Temple of Serapeum and Rhakotis, the ancient town from which Alexandria grew. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit, because Pompey’s Pillar is the only ancient monument remaining whole and standing in all of Alexandria today.
3. Sarapeum (Serapeion)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 64 reviews
This temple, dedicated to the god Serapis, is from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Reviewed By 394valeriej
The Serapeum, also spelled Sarapeum, or Sarapieion, was dedicated to the worship of the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis (Sarapis). Although most of the area surrounding the Pompey’s Pillar is unrecognizable rubble, there are remnants of a Roman bath and piscina. A piscina is a shallow basin placed near the altar of a church, or in the vestry or sacristy, used for washing the communion vessels. Wear walking shoes. Look around you may find an underground entrance to what is left of the Temple of Serapeurm.
4. Ancient Roman Amphitheater
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 410 reviews
Built in the 2nd century AD, this Roman amphitheater has 13 semicircular tiers made of white and gray marble.
Reviewed By M6853YRronw - Cedar City, United States
Kom El-Dekka Site (Roman amphitheater) is in Alexandria - founded by Alexander the Great. It was a ‘well-off’ residential area in Graeco-Roman times, with lovely villas, bathhouses and a theatre. The amphitheater is a marble theater that once seated 800 spectators. This site also contains Roman columns, artifacts (statues, etc.) pulled from ocean, and other interesting areas related to residential area of the time. Spend time walking around, reading the information signs, and enjoying the sights.
