Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city, is known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean" with a unique Mediterranean atmosphere and cultural heritage. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, it was the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt and home to the legendary Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was the setting for Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s famous relationship and was a key center of learning in ancient times. In the 19th century, Alexandria became a commercial and maritime hub, shaped by immigrants from Greece, Italy, and the Levant. This created a cosmopolitan city known for commerce and bohemian culture, celebrated by writers like E.M. Forster and Cavafy. Key sights include the Alexandria Bibliotheca, a modern library on the original library’s site, and the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa, an ancient tomb complex with a banqueting hall for honoring the dead. Alexandria’s rich history and diverse culture make it a distinctive and fascinating city.