AlexandriaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Foundation and Ptolemaic Era

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. It was planned as the capital of his Egyptian dominion and a naval base to control the Mediterranean. The city's location was selected for its access to water from Lake Maryūṭ and the anchorage provided by Pharos Island. Dinocrates of Rhodes, Alexander's architect, designed the city, which became known for its Hellenic planning.

Under the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt for 300 years after Alexander's death, Alexandria developed as a center for science, culture, and scholarship. It housed the Library of Alexandria, established around 283 BC as a universal library and part of the Mouseion, a research institute. The city also featured the Lighthouse of Alexandria, or Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, estimated to be over 110 meters high. This lighthouse stood on Pharos Island, where the 15th-century Fort Qaitbay is located today.

Decline and Modern Development

Alexandria began a decline from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. It remained a center for maritime commerce and craft production even after its political importance diminished when the capital moved inland following the Muslim Arab conquest in the 7th century CE. In the 15th century, Sultan al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay, a Mamluk ruler, ordered the construction of Fort Qaitbay between 1477 and 1479 AD. This fortress was built on the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, using some of its salvaged stones, to defend against Ottoman threats. The citadel was part of Alexandria's fortification system during the 15th century.

In modern times, the city has seen development. The Alexandria Corniche, a waterfront promenade, was designed by Italian-Egyptian architect Pietro Avoscani in 1870. Construction began in 1925 and it officially opened in 1935. More recently, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and cultural center, opened in 2002. It was conceived to honor the ancient Library of Alexandria and stands near its traditional site, featuring a circular design and granite walls engraved with characters from 120 scripts.

• —Fort Qaitbay — This 15th-century defensive fortress was built by Mamluk Sultan al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Some red granite pillars in its outer walls are likely repurposed from the lighthouse.
• —Bibliotheca Alexandrina — A modern library and cultural center opened in 2002, commemorating the ancient Library of Alexandria. Its main reading room is beneath a 32-meter-high glass-paneled roof, and its outer granite walls are inscribed with characters from 120 different scripts.
• —Catacombs of Kom el-Shouqafa — Roman-era burial sites, dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD, carved three levels deep into rock. They show a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles, with Egyptian gods sometimes depicted in Roman attire.
• —Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum site — This Roman victory column, erected for Emperor Diocletian, stands among the remains of the Serapeum. The Serapeum was the largest Greek temple in Alexandria, built around 220 BC and dedicated to the god Serapis.
• —Alexandria Corniche — This waterfront promenade extends over ten miles along the Eastern Harbour, with views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a place for walking, especially at sunset, and has seaside cafes.
• —Montazah Palace Gardens — These gardens surround the Montazah Palace, a former royal residence. The gardens offer green spaces and sea views, showing aspects of early 20th-century royal life.

The best times to visit Alexandria are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Temperatures are mild, typically between 20–25°C (68–77°F), suitable for sightseeing. October offers sea temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with highs reaching 30°C (86°F); beaches and the Corniche are crowded with local vacationers in July and August. Winter (December to February) is cooler, with lows around 10-13°C (50-55°F) and is the wettest period. Avoid late July and August due to humidity and crowds.

Alexandria is served by Borg El Arab Airport (HBE), about 40 kilometers southwest of the city center. For international travelers, flying into Cairo International Airport (CAI) and taking a train to Alexandria is an option. Express trains from Cairo's Ramses Station to Alexandria's Sidi Gaber or Misr Station take about 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Public transportation in Alexandria includes buses, minibuses, and one of the world's oldest tram systems. The tram network has 20 lines and 140 stops, with some double-deck cars. Walking is possible in central areas like the Corniche, Mansheya, and Anfoushi, but heavy traffic affects other areas. Taxis are available; negotiate the fare before starting as meters are not commonly used. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are also options. Renting a car or scooter is not recommended due to traffic.