 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Egypt
The cradle of civilisation; the ancient empire of the Pharaohs; an immense cultural heritage; an ideal climate and friendly inhabitants Egypt invites you on a voyage of discoveryÖ.It stretches out over more than one million square kilometres and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the North and the Red Sea to the East. It has many different facets to offer to visitors from the golden deserts to the fertile strip of land along the Nile - the river of life - and on up into the high Sinai mountains which rise up between the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba.
Alexandria
Alexandria was founded in 322 B.C. by Alexander the Great on the site of the small village of Racotis. He decided to build the capital of his empire in this part of Egypt that would also provide him with a port not too far away from his country of origin. He also thought that Alexandria could become a centre for the propagation of Greek civilisation and education. In the days of the Ptolemy, Alexandria was indeed the artistic and literary centre of the East as well as one of the main centres of Hellinistic civilisation
Its famous 400 feet high lighthouse - one of the seven wonders of the world - also made the city's reputation. Alexandria converted to Christianity at the start of the Christian era and became one of the three big centres of Christendom together with Rome and Constantinopole. It was built on the edge of the Mediterranean, 225km from Cairo, to the North west of the Nile Delta and today, it has become Egypt's main port and the biggest seaside resort in the Middle East. Alexandria is renowned for its mild climate all year round and its beautiful fine, sandy beaches which stretch out over more than 30 km. Poets have often described it as the beautiful bride of the Mediterranean - the sea departs but always returns to her.
For more information : www.sis.gov.eg |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
