When I decided to add Egypt to my round-the-world travel itinerary, I chose so based on two things: seeing Alexandria and climbing Mt. Sinai. All those pyramids and temples were just a happy coincidence.
Why was Alexandria so high on my travel list? And did it live up to my expectations?
I love books. And Alexandria’s ancient library has always fascinated me. So much knowledge was stored at the Ancient Library of Alexandria throughout history. The ancient library was destroyed multiple times, not standing today. Probably why I find the notion of an ancient library so romantic: so much was lost so many times here. All that information—disappeared.
But today Alexandria is trying to revive that lost history. The library today is a massive collection of museums, books, artifacts and new technology. I spent a few hours wandering around inside (there are at least four museums inside including an interactive science museum). Maybe we’re using libraries less and less these days but if they were anything like this place, I think we’d still be reading.
Blogs published by Adam Groffman • Please note some posts do make me some money, but I never sacrifice my integrity in exchange for a favorable review. Read the full disclosure policy.
Donnawade407
27 September 2010
Wow, what an amazing library, I must put that on my agenda next time I head that way. I feel I should also share with you an amazing course I did while I was in Cairo – Sarah Merron of Fire Dragon Coaching teaches strategies that really helped me focus on getting the best out of myself and others around me, for both my work and personal life. She runs courses all over the world, so it’s a fantastic way to combine travel with self improvement. Here’s the link, it’s definitely worth checking out: http://egyptnlptraining.com/
Anonymous
27 September 2010
Wow, I must put that library on my agenda next time I head that way, looks amazing. I feel I should also share with you an amazing course I did while I was in Cairo – Sarah Merron of Fire Dragon Coaching teaches strategies that really helped me focus on getting the best out of myself and others around me, for both my work and personal life. She runs courses all over the world, so it’s a fantastic way to combine travel with self improvement. Here’s the link, it’s definitely worth checking out: http://egyptnlptraining.com/
Adam
20 July 2010
Yep – just a different side of Egypt. It's not all temples & monuments.
Adam
20 July 2010
Thanks Kirsty – I didn't realize so many people DIDN'T know about the library! Funny how that happens.
Adam
20 July 2010
Dustin – it's some pretty stunning architecture, for sure. Especially inside, I thought.
Susan
20 July 2010
What an amazing place!
kirstynoplacetobe
19 July 2010
had no idea about this place, looks and sounds amazing though! Kirsty
Dustin Main
18 July 2010
Will totally have to put this on my hit list. I could shoot those curves and angles all day!
Adam
18 July 2010
Cheers!
yTravel Blog
18 July 2010
A pretty impressive library! Thanks for sharing
Adam
18 July 2010
Thanks Melissa! Libraries are an important institution and Alexandria's is no exception.
Adam
18 July 2010
Thanks Giulia! Words and alphabets are so cool, in my opinion. There were some fragments of old Roman texts in one of the museums inside. It's always great to see handwriting and printed words from so so so long ago.
Adam
18 July 2010
Thanks Sarah! It's a really historical place and they make a point of proving it.
Adam
18 July 2010
I think if you're in Egypt during the summer, a visit to Alexandria is practically required.
Adam
18 July 2010
Really? I would've thought another book nerd like yourself might've heard of it. Glad I could share something you didn't already know!
Adam
18 July 2010
It's well worth a visit!
Melissa Stanford
18 July 2010
Whoa. What an amazing library. It completely lives up to its legacy. And it's kind of porn for geeks isn't it?? (I mean that in the best way)! You take amazing photos and this is something everyone should get to see, thank you for sharing.
Giulia
16 July 2010
I love this place. An interesting fact is that the outside wall represents all the alphabets of the world throughout history. So fascinating…
If I had a place like this at home, I'd be happy to start studying again:)
Saubry10
16 July 2010
Gorgeous shots!!!! I love the wall with cuneiform, and the reflecting pool. Thanks so much for sharing!
Jeremy
16 July 2010
Wow. Definitely not what I expected it to be. Alexandria was one of the few places I didn't make a visit to in Egypt. Looks neat!
Steph
16 July 2010
Wow I had no idea about this! Pretty awesome.
LandLopers
16 July 2010
wow, amazing pictures. I've always been intrigued as well – can't wait to visit.