Location: Alexandria
Top Things to do in Alexandria
10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Alexandria That You Shouldn't Miss
The Pearl of the Mediterranean has an ambiance more in keeping with its neighbors to the north than with those in the Middle East. Site of Pharos lighthouse, one of the Wonders of the World, and of Anthony and Cleopatra’s tempestuous romance, the city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Today, Alexandria offers fascinating insights into its proud Greek past, as well as interesting mosques, the casino strip of the Corniche, some lovely gardens and both modern and traditional hotels. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Restaurants in Alexandria
1. Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi
2. Deir Anba Bishoi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
These desert building are all that remains of the monasic Christians that fled Roman persecution in the 4th century.
3. Deir Mar Mina (St. Mina Monastery)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By sergeyk147
There's a charming Coptic icon in the Louvre: Jesus stands beside a man, putting his right hand on his right shoulder. Me and my wife were spellbound by that scene, by naive, sort of childish faces so unusual for us Russians to see on an icon and decided to dig a little bit deeper. Now we know much more about the Copts and when planning a trip to Egypt could not afford to miss St Mina Monastery - it was him depicted on that icon. I'd abstain from describing his life and martyrdom here but one thing is certain - it is one of numerous albeit much less known gems of this country. Though situated not that far from Alexandria, it is not so easy to find since there are no signs in English. So use your GPS - or take a local guide. The complex is heavily guarded because of muslim fanatics' attacks on the Copts several years ago (no worries - now it's safe there) but it is calm and piety that reign inside. Spacious, impeccably clean, elegant landscape design, imposing architecture, serious but good-natured monks. Quite by chance we met the father superior - an old grey-haired man with a beard - and he gracefully told us the story of the place. The main church is naturally Orthodox but differs so much from the tradition we are used to in Russia. Nevertheless, you literally feel Divine Grace coming upon you there and leave the complex light and peaceful. We loved every moment of that visit. It is the largest Coptic monastery in Egypt, by the way. Which means it is the largest in the world.
4. Ahmad Salem Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
5. El Qaed Ibrahim Mosque
6. St. Catherine's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The St. Catherine's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Apostolic Vicariate in Alexandria,Egypt.The basilica with classical dome. The dedication took place on November 24, 1850. In 1927, the current facade, designed in the Roman Baroque style. Here is buried king Victor Emmanuel III of Italy.
7. Al Muntaza Mosque
8. The Monastery of St. Macarius
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By 463ashrafs
The Monastery was about to abandoned in the late 60s with only 7 very old monks whose age was between 105 - 80 years old until the revival of the Monastery took place in 1969 by Pope Cyril VI's decision to send 12 pioneering monks to revive it's Spiritual heritage and Architecture. In 1977 the burial place of St. John the Baptist - considered the greatest man born by the biblical statement of Jesus Christ - after years of elaborate studies to confirm the exactitude of the discovery. Unlike Orthodox doctrine dedicating the Northern Altar to Virgin Mary when the Central Altar is not dedicated to her, this church had the Central Altar dedicated to Pope Benjamin (38th Pope of Alexandria) and the Northern Altar to St. John the baptist. Furthermore the generation-to-generation delivered heritage included stopping in the corner and providing incenses similarly to when there is a body of a great Saint. After removing sand as high as 4-5 feet (120-150 cms) in the church, a catacomb was found with 2 bodies. Studying centuries old manuscripts, they were confirmed to be the bodies of Old Testament Prophet Elisha & St. John the baptist.
