Top Things to do in Alexandria Governorate
Top Hotels in Alexandria Governorate
- 1. Hilton Alexandria Corniche
- 2. SUNRISE Alex Avenue Hotel
- 3. TOLIP Hotel Alexandria
- 4. Steigenberger Cecil Hotel
- 5. Cherry Maryski Hotel
- 6. Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza
- 7. Hilton Alexandria King's Ranch
- 8. Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria
- 9. Romance Alexandria Hotel
- 10. Paradise Inn Windsor Palace Hotel
Things to do in Alexandria Governorate, Alexandria Governorate: The Best Historic Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt including Fort Qaitbey, Deir Mar Mina (St. Mina Monastery), King Farouk Palace, Mustafa Kamel Necropolis, Chatby Tombs, The Monastery of St. Macarius.
Restaurants in Alexandria Governorate
1. Fort Qaitbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,068 reviews
Resembling an imposing castle fortress, this citadel was built in the 1480s by Sultan Qaitbey on the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, to protect the city from the crusaders who used to attack the city by sea.
Reviewed By 277vincentm - New Orleans, United States
The Citadel of Qaitbey with its splendid views of the Mediterranean (see Rampart View view), is easily the most striking historical structure in Alexandria. Built in 1477, it’s relatively modern by Egypt’s timeline, which goes back ten times further. But 1477 is a good 15 years before Columbus discovered America, and the history of the site predates the Roman Empire. The citadel stands on and incorporates stones from one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Qaitbey was neither Arab nor Egyptian, but a Circassian. But he did a credible job of building a newer, stronger fortress where the old Lighthouse had been. The NW corner of the fort might put you directly above or beside where the Pharos used to stand, as a placard states that this is “most likely to be attributed to the remainings of the old lighthouse.” I assume that when the Arabs captured Alexandria from the Byzantines in 641, the Baths were still being used. The first of the series of earthquakes that destroyed the Lighthouse occurred 150 years after the Arab conquest. (See Byzantine Bath photo). As well as walking the ramparts carefully (see Rampart View) and looking at the warm waters of the Mediterranean just as archers did centuries ago (see Torquoise Waters photo), you can go into the main tower, the most imposing structure in the citadel (see Main Tower photo). The rock steps are irregular; there are no handrails; and the roof of the main tower is not accessible. A door on the top floor of the tower looks as if it leads up to the top of the tower, but its gate is firmly locked (see Don’t Man the Rooftop photo). Some graffiti spray-painted onto the NE corner of the tower may be why rooftop access is now prohibited. Still, inside the tower you’ll find striking windows, chambers and passageways (see Ancient Windows and Passageway photos). Persons with minor mobility impairments can enter the courtyard below, but should use care if trying to climb up to upper levels (the footing is treacherous in many areas). Those with severe impairments (wheel-chairs, etc) can enjoy the view from the wide courtyard, but almost certainly should not attempt to go any higher. Similarly, children should be closely controlled for their own safety, because potential falls are a real danger in some spots. Other visitors can easily spend an hour or two wandering around the ramparts, enjoying the views through ancient windows, and wandering through the labyrinthine chambers of the tower.
2. 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.
3. King Farouk Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 237 reviews
This sprawling property was the summer home of controversial King Farouk who assumed power at the age of 16 in 1936.
Reviewed By basselzaki - Cairo, Egypt
One of the greatest historic places in Egypt and Alexandria it was built for the King Farouk to spend the summer time with his family in Alexandria its forbidden to enter inside the palace but u can take pictures from outside the gates its a peace of art
4. Mustafa Kamel Necropolis
5. Chatby Tombs
6. 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.
