Half day tour to The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria)
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Overview
Enjoy to visit Bibliotheca Alexandria the Alexandria library which presented knowledge for over 600 years until it was burn in the third century, it has a religious purpose for once it was mainly designed as a temple held many rare manuscripts, the new library of Alexandria renovation was in 2002 coasted about 200 million $, designed by a Norwegian architect, this article will discuss the ancient bibliotheca and the new version of the library as they both share the same heritage and knowledge.
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Ancient Egypt Tours
Location
Address
6W29+2FH, Bab Sharqi WA Wabour Al Meyah, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 5422015, Egypt
Experience
Highlights
Itinerary
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina The history of Alexandria library Scientists argued about the real founder of the bibliotheca ,some said it was designed in the reign of Ptolemy the first and others assumed that the founding was by Ptolemy the second ,even that some archaeologists said that it was planned for the library in Alexander the great era 23 centuries ago, nothing is confirmed but all we know is the great library also known as “the royal library” the first and largest public library the ancient world ever witnessed . The First public library the idea of library was known since the early antiquity but it was only for the royals and priests , the library of Alexandria may not be the first library in history but it was the first public one for common people where the pharaonic and Greek cultures engaged together, the west knowledge combined with the east science producing the Hellenistic civilization .the guides of the library imposed the working teachers and scholars to leave a copy of their writings and publications in order to gain the library its research center and to be a reference to anyone seeking awareness and education. The library flourished back then even more by housing about 700,000 scrolls of philosophy and poetry prominents such as Humorous and Aristotle collection, it became an academy for those who desire nothing except for knowledge and free themselves from all political affiliations and racism. The burn of Alexandria library Many stories were told as many mythologies were assumed about the destruction of the ancient library, some said that Julius Ceaser burned 101 ships on the Mediterranean coast during the war with Ptolemy the third ,the younger brother of Cleopatra, this conquest led to huge fire burned the bibliotheca in 48 B.C. other scientists accuse Amr bin Al-aas making him responsible for the library fire during the Islamic conquest, but there's no evidence of such claims, Nothing is certain though . Collection of Alexandria new library The idea of resurrect the destroyed ancient library was proposed by Alexandria university in 1974 which faced positive and supporting responds from the international community, in 1988 the UNISCO sponsored for architectural competition (best design for Alexandria new library) which was won by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta. the actual construction began in 1994 and completed in 2002 with 200$ million budget, today, the library receives about 800,00 visitors annually with a main target to be an academy of dialogue and rationality just like the ancient bibliotheca .the interior design of the library is modern and striking with 160 meter diameter glass paneled roof, the outer wall built of Aswan gray granite with 120 different characters from rare scripts carved into these walls. In addition of planetarium (large dome)and The great main reading hall which covers about 700,000 m² with an accommodation of 2000 readers in one time, the library also contain 200 rooms for scholars and researches ,moreover, the books shelved in the reading hall are donated from all over the world with different languages and subjects. Exhibition gallery and museum of Alexandria library the gallery located at the heart of the library and covers the space of 344m2, it comprises around 120 manuscripts and rare scrolls displayed in cases ,12 display cases were donated by Italy according to the cooperation agreement between the two countries ,20 of them are Egyptian made cases . the exhibition gallery also displays two pieces of kiswa (holly Ka'aba cover suite).the antiquities museum displays almost 1,100 artifacts and documents date back to the Pharaonic era up to the Islamic civilization, including the Greek-Roman and early Coptic periods. The library has a manuscripts restoration laboratory besides two more exhibitions, one for original engravings and lithographs ,the other one is for literary and Egyptian cinematic works. Stanley Bridge - unknown soldier Stanley Bridge The Stanley Bridge or the Stanley Bridge, as it is known in Egypt, is a bridge built to improve the flow of traffic on the Alexandria Corniche. unknown soldier The Monument to the Unknown Marine Soldier is located in the Mansheya area of Alexandria. It was built by the Italian community in Alexandria in 1933 AD to honor Khedive Ismail, and she made a statue for him in the middle of the top of the monument, then it was turned into the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in 1965 AD, and the statue of Khedive Ismail was removed from the monument. Finally you will be escorted by your guide back to your cruise ship in Alexandria Port. NB: Departure time from Alexandria depends on the departure time of your ship at Alexandria Port. Included All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle. Pick up services from your hotel & return. Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide. Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites. Bottled water during your trip. Shopping tours in Cairo. All taxes & service charge. Excluded Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary. Gratuities " Tipping " Personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
No refund is possible if you cancel.
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EUR 15.00