Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and is located on the country's Mediterranean coast. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria was an important cultural, commercial and political center in the ancient world and one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean.The city is famous for its ancient Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest libraries in the ancient world and housed some of the greatest philosophers, scientists, and poets in history. Although the ancient library no longer exists, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina was built in 2002 as a tribute to its legacy and contains millions of books, manuscripts, and digital documents.Other Alexandria attractions include Qaitbay Fort, built on the site of the legendary Lighthouse Tower, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. The city is also home to the famous Alexandria National Museum, which features a vast collection of archaeological and historical artifacts from ancient Egypt.The Alexandria Corniche, overlooking the Mediterranean coast, is another popular tourist attraction in the city, with numerous beaches, cafes and restaurants. In addition, the traditional Attarine market is a must-see for shoppers and souvenir lovers.Finally, the city is known for its local cuisine, including seafood dishes such as shrimp, squid, and octopus, as well as specialties such as ful medames (stewed broad beans), kushari (a dish of rice, lentils, and noodles), and desserts such as basbousa (a semolina cake).
