A List of Ancient Landmarks in Alexandria, Egypt
The second largest city in Egypt and about 140 miles from Cairo, Alexandria is known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Resting on the ruins of a Ptolomaic and Roman city, Alexandria boasts both history and intrigue. Named for and conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C., the city also served as the setting for the famous relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Most of the ancient landmarks are within a pedestrian-friendly 1.5-mile radius from Saad Zagloul Square. Be sure to check the U.S. Department of State's website (travel.state.gov) for the latest travel alerts and warnings regarding Egypt.
Catacombs of Kom el Shaqafa
At 115 feet below ground and discovered by accident in 1900 when a donkey fell inside, the Catacombs of Kom el Shaqafa are a funerary complex dating from the 2nd century A.D. The catacombs are entered via a spiral staircase in an open shaft that was once used to lower dead bodies into the ground. Featuring a mix of Egyptian, Roman and Greek influences, a variety of statues and carvings add intrigue to the catacombs, and a burial tomb chamber can be viewed as well. The catacombs are open daily for a nominal fee.
Qaitbey Fort and the Pharos Lighthouse
Built between 1477 and 1480 during the reign of Sultan Qaitbey, the Qaitbey Fort is perched at the end of the eastern harbor and is visible from almost any point along the Corniche. It has cannons, various rooms and a mosque in the center, but not much else in terms of artifacts. The fort is the closest you can get to the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, which was the Seventh Wonder of the Ancient World. The fort was most likely built using the rubble from the lighthouse about 175 years after it collapsed from the earthquake in 1303. Qaitbey Fort is open daily at a nominal fee.
The red granite pillar known as Pompey's Pillar was originally constructed to honor the Emperor Diocletian at the end of the 4th century. Contrary to its name, it doesn't have anything to do with the Roman general Pompey, though he was killed in Egypt in 48 B.C. The pillar is 30 feet around and 100 feet tall, making it the tallest ancient monument in Alexandria. The pillar is open daily at a nominal fee. The catacombs aren't far and can be reached by foot.
Kom el Dikka
Meaning “Hill of Rubble,” this site resembled its name until archaeologists began excavating the area in the 1960s. Here you can see the excavated ruins of the Roman city that lies beneath Alexandria, including a column-lined street, a theater with 13 tiers of seats and part of a villa. Kom el Dikka is within walking distance from the train station, but if you're coming from the city center or the catacombs, it’s about a 10-minute taxi ride. The site is open daily at a nominal fee. The Villa of the Birds is worth a look for its mosaics.
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