Alexandrina
On the Mediterranean with over four million population and Egypts second largest city Alexandria is home to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, The New Library.
Alexandria is uncertain whether it is Ancient , Modern , Roman, Greek or Egyptian, what ever it is very exciting trying to find an ATM on foot when none of the Societe General machines will accept your card.
The Harbour is the countrys largest seaport and together with its industrial and commercial base supports a large fishing fleet.
One of the most famous cities in the ancient world Alexandria was founded around 334 BC by Alexander The Great. There is an excellent entry to take you though its history on Wikipedia at :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/alexandria
In addition to The Library there are great Museums to visit with lots of the recent underwater archaeology on show. Zahi Hawass the General Secretary of the Supreme Council for Antiquities has a blog entry on a recent visit to the Alexandria National History and Jewelry Museums. Go to :
http://www.drhawass.com/blog/museums-alexandria
The site of repeated earthquake activity the Harbour is giving up many of its secrets and is where the mediaeval Qaitbay Citadel built around mid 1400s is found.
Much earlier The Pharos an ancient Seven Wonder is thought to have its foundations beneath The Citadel.This is photographer heaven and a local favorite for a day in the sun. Tour Egypt has a great article on the Citadel at :
http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/fortqaitbey.htm
As does Wikipedia on :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citadel_of_Qaitbay
Rome built all over and although much has gone through earthquake and modern overbuilding it is interesting to see the Catacombs and to reflect on the burial practices and funereal provisions for families and relatives to visit the long dead. Nothing beats booking a triclinium in the underground rotunda at Kom es Shuqqafa and taking the kids out for a celebratory picnic lunch and a chat with late great uncle Augustus.