About Alexandria, Egypt:
Alexandria, Egypt (Arabic: الإسكندرية, Al-Iskandariyyah), is the country’s second-largest city and its principal seaport on the Mediterranean coast. Often called the “Bride of the Mediterranean” or “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” it stretches about 40 km (25 miles) along the northern shoreline at the western edge of the Nile Delta, roughly 183 km (114 miles) northwest of Cairo.
Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, it quickly became one of the ancient world’s greatest cities; a cosmopolitan hub of trade, scholarship, and culture under the Ptolemaic dynasty (and later Roman rule). It was home to the legendary Library of Alexandria (the largest in antiquity) and the Pharos Lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).
The city served as Egypt’s capital for nearly a millennium until the Arab conquest in 642 AD, after which its prominence shifted but never fully faded. It remained a key commercial and intellectual center, blending Greek, Egyptian, Jewish, and later Christian and Islamic influences.
Today, Alexandria is a vibrant modern metropolis with a population exceeding 5.3 million (urban agglomeration as of recent estimates), blending historic sites with lively coastal life, markets, and a distinct Mediterranean feel from that of inland Egypt, making it a popular summer escape.
Some of the top secular highlights include Bibliotheca Alexandrina (modern Library of Alexandria), a stunning contemporary revival of the ancient institution, with millions of books, museums, a planetarium, and cultural exhibits; The Citadel of Qaitbay: A 15th-century fortress built by Sultan Qaitbay on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse overlooking the sea—perfect for panoramic views and history; The Corniche, an iconic seaside promenade; the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (ancient underground tombs blending Greco-Roman and Egyptian styles), Pompey’s Pillar, the Alexandria National Museum.
The Coptic Orthodox Cathedral is the oldest Christian site in Alexandria (founded by St. Mark the Evangelist in 60 AD). It is part of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
It can get confusing, we know…the Coptic Orthodox Church is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, whereas the Coptic Catholic Church (ϯⲉⲕⲕⲗⲏⲥⲓⲁ ⲛ̀ⲣⲉⲙⲛ̀ⲭⲏⲙⲓ ⲛ̀ⲕⲁⲑⲟⲗⲓⲕⲏ is in communion with Rome.
Catholic places of interest in Cairo, Egypt:
These churches are in communion with Rome, but follow differing Eastern Rites. Their Masses may seem different, but are perfectly valid.
Catholic places of interest in Alexandria, Egypt:
Cathedral of Our Lady of Egypt (Coptic Rite): Founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist.
Saint Catherine’s Cathedral (Roman Rite): The main Roman Catholic cathedral in Alexandria, dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. It was built in 1850 and features a Roman Baroque-style facade added in 1927.
Sacred Heart Church: a historical church built between 1847 and 1856 in the Neo-Baroque style .