Alexandria, known around the globe as “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”, is the second largest city in Egypt, second only to the famous and historic Cairo. Since its founding by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria has been known as a capital of historic culture and Mediterranean ambiance and the undeniable link between Greece and the Nile Valley.

With a rich history on its side, Alexandria is the site of many wonders. The most famous of them all is most certainly the Library of Alexander, a shrine to knowledge and discovery, housing texts from every enlightened culture of the world and acting as a research center for international scholars. The library was a casualty of war in 48 BC when it was accidentally burned to ashes at the hands of Julius Caesar, but the stunning Bibliotheca Alexandria stands in its place as a tribute to the original library and a continuation of its works as a global center for research, culture, and discovery. With shelf space for over 8-million books and a unique architectural design, this modern symbol of scientific rebirth is a must-see destination on any journey to Alexandria.

More of Alexandria’s unique history is found below its surface. In the city’s Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, one will find evidence of Christian, Roman, and Egyptian deities—a display of the belief in multiple versions of the afterlife that is unheard of anywhere else in the world. Even deeper underground is the historical underwater playground, eerily preserved for centuries in the harbor of Alexandria. Only just discovered by divers in 1994, these massive monuments and ancient wonders are the continued subjects of underwater archaeology and the focus of a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience revealing the remnants of Pharos, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the original Seven Wonders and the tallest manmade structure in the world. Also hidden beneath the surface are the remains of Cleopatra’s City and Palace, dating back to 300 BC, including the wreckage of her sun boat and a statue of Mark Antony, as well as multiple vessels of war, including ships from Napolean’s fleet, antique Roman boats, World Warr II-era British cruisers, and a World War II-era plane. It is estimated that more than 7,000 Pharonic and Roman-era monuments exist in the harbor’s waters with a vast multitude of sea life now claiming the ancient relics of Alexandria home.

The subtle and persuasive beauty of Alexandria has made it a well-known tourist destination for all kinds of explorers, researchers, and adventurers. Contact a Ker & Downey luxury travel consultant today to include the wonders of Alexandria on your next luxury Egypt escape.