Seematti textile’s CEO and lead designer Beena Kannan recently revealed on social media that she is on a trip in the ancient city of Alexandria, along with a couple of other destinations. She also shared pictures from the renowned Muha mad Ali Mosque in Cairo, where Muhammad Ali Pasha, father of modern Egypt, is buried. The mosque was built in memory of his son. The entrepreneur has shared many photos with the backdrop of architecturally beautiful areas of the mosque.
Alexandria city, on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, is the second largest city thereafter Cairo and has a rich cultural heritage. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, it is a bustling metropolitan area today with many historical landmarks, a diverse population, modern infrastructure, and more. Intrigued? If you wish to visit the city, here are a few spots you can include in your itinerary:
Roman Amphitheatre: A well-preserved ancient theater from the second century AD, it once accommodated thousands of spectators. It is located in the Kom El-Dikka archaeological site in Alexandria.
Qaitbay Citadel: A fortress, built on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse (which collapsed into the sea centuries ago), offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea. It was constructed in the 15th century. It is considered one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture and was also a major site of the battle between Napoleon Bonaparte and Egypt. It also has a maritime museum that tells the city’s rich maritime history.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A library that pays homage to the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was destroyed by Julius Ceasar, the new library has about 4 million volumes of books! Visitors can attend events, enjoy its architectural beauty, get guided tours in various languages, enjoy exhibitions, and more here.
Pompey's Pillar: It is a massive granite column that stands amid the city’s ancient ruins. Though it is named Pompey’s Pillar, it was erected in honour of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The pillar has a pedestal with a serpent coiled around it, symbolizing the ancient Egyptian deity Typhon. There is also a small sphinx statue near the pillar.
National Museum of Alexandria: Statues of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman origin from various historical periods, Tanagra terracotta statuettes from ancient Greece with detailed craftmanship, royal jewelry from various periods, a display of mummies, textiles and religious objects from Egypt’s Coptic Christian period, pottery and sculptures from the Graeco Roman period… the museum has much to offer for history enthusiasts.
Alexandria Corniche: A scenic waterfront promenade along the Mediterranean Sea, the Corniche is a great place to relax and experience the city. Enjoying a stroll, relaxing in parks and gardens adjacent to it, trying local cuisine, experiencing boat tours, local aquariums, and more, there is much to do at the site.
