Alexandria - "The Pearl of the Mediterranean "
Lawrence Durrell described Alexandria as "the capital city of Asiatic Europe , if such a thing could exist ."
Alexandria is the second largest city with 3.5 mio inhabitants. The Mediterranean ambiance and its cultural heritage distance the city from the rest of the country.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C. its historical heights expands over a period of about 1,000 years, while the period of decline covers centuries. Pharos, the first lighthouse ever and long ago destroyed by a terrible earthquake was one of the seven wonders of the world. During the city's first centuries, it was the leading cultural centre of the ancient world, housing people of many different religions and philosophical orientations. Alexandria was the center of learning and the Mauseion was a centre of research, with laboratories and observatories. It was home to some of the greatest thinkers and scientists like the mathematician Eratosthenes, who also was the leader of the famous Bibliotheca Alexandria. The huge library was said to contain 500,000 volumes. Alexandria was the seat of the formation of 
the important cult of Serapis, a fusion of Greek and Egyptian mythology. The very first centre for Biblical studies was established, and it was here that the Old Testament was assembled in a form similar to its present one.
Alexandria's architecture could easily compete with Rome and Athens. It was a very important trading post between Europe and Asia. The stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony found its dramatic end here. Yet, with the establishment of the new Egyptian capital Cairo (then Al Fustat) ancient Alexandria was prone to decline.
Napoleon only found a sparsely populated fisher men village. But since the 19th century Alexandria has gained back in significance as Egypt 's commercial and maritime center. Generations of immigrants from Greece , Italy and the Levant settled here and commerce, cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture started to flourish again. Today Alexandria is an excellent location for leisure and incentive tourism (MICE). Its hotels offer the latest conference and meeting facilities. Alexandria recently opened its doors for health and wellness tourism with its first Spa.
published November 30, 2007
Source: Angela