Alexandria

KNOWN as the "bride of the Mediterranean", Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, as well as the country's main seaport. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC on the site of a small fishing village called Rhakotis, Alexandria was the capital of Egypt throughout the Ptolemaic reign.

Today, it is Egypt's premier summer resort, drawing millions of holidaymakers annually to its long sandy beaches, which extend over 140 kilometres along the Mediterranean from Abu Qir in the east to Al-Alamein and Sidi Abdel-Rahman in the west.

Located at the world's crossroads, the coastal city has always played a crucial role in global trade. Its intellectual standing has also mirrored its economic wealth. Ancient Alexandria became a renowned centre for scientific, philosophical and literary thought and debate. Its famed library contained 500,000 volumes, and its research institute, the Mouseion, produced some of the most scholarly works of the age. Today, the "Bibliotheca Alexandrina" -- a modern reincarnation of the ancient library, has re-ignited the city's reputation as a meeting ground for historians, philosophers, artists, scientists and mathematicians.

Thanks to the large number of immigrants who called the city their home over the last few centuries, Alexandrian society has always featured a mix of diverse cultures. This has created a strong Mediterranean ambiance that is clearly embodied in the distinctive architectural design of its buildings, and its Greek and Italian style restaurants, shops and coffee houses.

The history of Alexandria is, in fact, a record of the continuity of civilisation in all its guises -- politics, art, music, literature and science. This is clear in the countless relics it hosts -- artefacts that date to the Graeco-Roman, Mameluke, and Ottoman eras. Amongst its most famous sites are the catacombs, the Roman amphitheatre, Pompey's pillar, the Graeco-Roman museum, the fort of Qait Bey, the Royal Jewellery Museum and the Montazah Palace with its magnificent gardens and royal palaces.

The extensive underwater archaeological excavations in the eastern harbour and Abu Qir have also brought the spotlight to Alexandria in recent years, rekindling global interest in Cleopatra and the Ptolemies. From deep in the sea, excavators have successfully brought to surface various sphinxes, obelisks, columns, pottery and statues, which are now on display in Alexandria's Roman theatre. A further exciting discovery is the lost city of Heracleon, located six kilometres away from the coastline.

After a day of excursions or research, one can have lunch in one of the many fish restaurants that are scattered around Alexandria in the Baharidistrict near the Qait Bey fort. Shopping around Ramleh station, Saad Zaghloul Street, Zanqet Al- Setat and Attareen (known for selling antiques) is also a leisurely option.

Alexandria facts

Egypt's second largest city is also the country's main seaport and most famous summer resort.

Population: 3,632,000

Industries: Pharmaceuticals, food products, manufacture of cruise ships and yachts, and textiles. On the outskirts of the city, there are oil and natural gas related industries.

Sights: Graeco-Roman sites include the Roman amphitheatre, Pompey's Pillar, the catacombs of Kom Al-Shoqafa, Al-Shatby necropolis, the Temple of Serapes and the Graeco-Roman Museum. Other sites -- dating to the Mameluke and Ottoman eras -- include the Qait Bey Fort, the mosque of Al-Mursi Abul-Abbas, the Jewellery Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Montazah Palace. Modern attractions include the Shallalat and Antoniadis Gardens and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Not to be missed, of course, are the beaches of Alexandria, the most famous of which are Al-Ma'moura, Montazah, Miami, Sidi Bishr, Stanley, and the beaches of Agami.

Hotels: Montazah Sheraton (+203) 548-1220, Helnan Palestine (+203) 547-4033, Salamlek Palace (+203) 547-7999, Paradise Inn (+203) 486-1467, Sofitel Cecil (+203) 487-7173, and Mecca (+203) 592-3925.

Restaurants: Seafood at Qadura in Bahari, the Fish Market in the Eastern Harbour, Sea Gull on the Road to Agami, Samakmak in Qasr Al-Tin, and Zeferion in Abu Qir. Greek restaurants include Trianon and Pastrodius. Oriental food outlets include Safwani, Tekkia, and Andrea. Fast food options are KFC, MacDonald's, Pizza Hut and Tikka Grill.

Stadium: Borg Al-Arab, capacity 80,000, located on the desert road between Cairo-Alexandria, 10km (20 min) from the Borg Al-Arab Airport, and 15km (20min) from the town centre. (Under Construction)

Famous football teams: Al-Ittihad, Al-Olympi, Al-Chrome