Alexandria Corniche also called Army Road or 26th of July Road is a dual carriageway and a tourist walkway for pedestrians in Alexandria Egypt located on the Mediterranean coast, and is considered a major tourist attraction in Alexandria.
It is the city’s most important traffic artery in the horizontal direction next to Abu Qir Street the Ring Road and Mahmoudia Axis. Alexandria Corniche was established during the period of Ismail Sedki Pasha’s ministry during the reign of King Fouad I in 1925.
The Corniche was officially opened in 1935. Let’s learn together in this talk about a lot about Alexandria Corniche.
Corniche construction stages
In 1925 the construction of Alexandria Corniche began and took about ten years to build. It was built in six stages. The first stage began in the area between Silsila and Shatby a distance of 786 meters.
The second stage was from Shatby to Camp Caesar, and the third stage was from Camp Caesar to Sporting.
The fourth phase was from Sporting to Cleopatra while the fifth phase was from Cleopatra to Stanley passing through the Mustafa Pasha area where the British occupation army camps in Egypt were located at that time which hindered the work of the Corniche at that stage, but the construction work was completed.
As for the last phase it was from Stanley to the western walls of Montazah Palace which is currently known as the Mandara area, and the Corniche work was completed in 1934 and the Alexandria Corniche was officially opened in 1935.
In 2001 the Alexandria Corniche Road witnessed the largest and most extensive modification in its history since its establishment.
Engineering operations were carried out with the aim of completely filling in nine beaches in order to expand the road which ranges in width from 8 meters to 20 meters and more.
The most important landmarks in the Alexandria Corniche
The Corniche extends from the west of Ras El Tin area in the east in the Mamoura area, and is about 17 km long as the road extends from the Bahri area in the Customs district in the west to the Mandara area in the Montazah district in the east, and passes through the following archaeological landmarks:
-
Qaitbay Citadel
It is one of the oldest Islamic castles and was built on the ruins of the ancient Alexandria Lighthouse, and is located on Pharos Island in the city of Alexandria.
It was built in 1477 AD during the era of Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qaitbay one of the sultans of the Mamluk state in order to protect the Egyptian coasts from sea invasions, and it was one of the Seven Wonders of the World before it was destroyed by earthquakes.
The Citadel is famous for its unique architectural design consisting of strong defensive walls watchtowers, a mosque external courtyards, and internal corridors overlooking the sea of Alexandria. Therefore it is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the Alexandria Corniche as it attracts visitors due to its location on the Mediterranean Sea, and its charming view for everyone who sees it, in addition to being a symbol of the city’s ancient history.
-
Roman Theater
The Roman Theater is located on the Alexandria Corniche among a group of ancient Roman monuments, and reflects the brilliance of architecture and arts in that era.
It is characterized by its ancient architectural style which made it a cultural and entertainment center where theatrical performances and public events are held.
Despite the passage of time the theater is a living indication of the ancient history of the city of Alexandria as it is a distinctive destination for visitors and those interested in the heritage of the Alexandria Corniche.
-
Alexandria Library
The Alexandria Library is one of the most important landmarks of the Alexandria Corniche and is one of the most prominent cultural monuments in the world.
It was opened in 2002 to revive the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was a beacon of science and knowledge in ancient times.
The library is decorated with a wonderful architectural design that shows the blending of modernity with the spirit of Egyptian civilization, and contains millions of books available in many languages in addition to several museums, research centers, exhibition and conference halls.
It also includes an advanced digital library a scientific cinema, and specialized libraries for children and the blind.
The library is considered a major center for research culture and civilization in the entire region as it hosts scientific literary and artistic events, and cultural lectures which enhances its role as a leading institution for spreading knowledge and promoting cultural dialogue worldwide.
-
Stanley Bridge
The Stanley Bridge on the Alexandria Corniche is considered one of the cultural landmarks that represent a symbol of modernity and communication within the city as the bridge is distinguished by its modern and elegant design, and it connects the two banks of the city of Alexandria on its Corniche overlooking the Mediterranean Sea making it an ideal destination for tourists and visitors to enjoy a walk with breathtaking views.
The bridge embodies the spirit of modernization and innovation in Alexandria while preserving the city’s connection to its ancient maritime and cultural heritage.
-
Alexandria Beaches
Alexandria beaches are distinguished from other beaches by their natural beauty and picturesque charm. They extend along the coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and have picturesque views that combine clear turquoise waters and soft yellow sands.
These beaches are a haven for visitors locals and tourists to enjoy recreation and various sports and water activities. Restaurants and cafes are also available giving the place a distinctive social and recreational character.
Alexandria’s beaches also maintain a long history dating back to several eras making them a prominent symbol of cultural and civilizational diversity, and the coastal architecture that characterizes the Alexandria Corniche.
Examples of Alexandria Corniche beaches include:
- Shatby Beach.
- Maamoura Beach.
- Abu Qir Beach.
- Miami Beach.
- Sidi Bishr Beach.
- Ameriya Beach.
Alexandria Corniche Development
In recent years Alexandria Corniche has witnessed a number of development projects to improve the infrastructure and expand the roads, while preserving the heritage and aesthetic character.
A tourist walkway has also been established in some areas away from the roads to be safer for pedestrians, in addition to renovating some public beaches and establishing The necessary facilities to provide a better environment for vacationers and visitors.
The importance of Alexandria Corniche
Alexandria Corniche is considered one of the best natural places for recreation whether for the people of Alexandria or from outside of visitors and tourists as people go there to enjoy walking exercising, and enjoying the fresh sea air.
It is also a meeting place for social and cultural life as cafes and restaurants extend along its length that offer the most delicious seafood and traditional drinks such as mint tea and hummus.
The most important restaurants in Alexandria Corniche
Alexandria Corniche is full of distinctive restaurants that suit different tastes whether you are looking for seafood oriental dishes or even international restaurants, and here are some of the most important restaurants there:
- Qadoura Fish: It is considered one of the most famous restaurants for fish and distinctive seafood.
- Arous Al Bahr Fish: It is characterized by the quality of fresh fish and prices suitable for everyone.
- Sultan Fish: It offers fresh seafood with a picturesque view of the sea.
- Oriental and Egyptian restaurants such as: Abu Fares Al-Suri which is famous for grilled meats and Syrian shawarma.
- Al-Dahan Restaurant: It is one of the oldest and most famous grill restaurants in Egypt.
- International restaurants and cafes: such as Café Delices which is one of the oldest cafes in Alexandria, and is distinguished by its French pastries and baked goods.
- Balbero: which serves pizza and Italian food with a distinctive taste.
- Trianon: It is a classic and attractive place that serves delicious European coffee and desserts.
- Restaurants overlooking the sea: such as San Giovanni a luxurious restaurant with a stunning view of the sea.
- Blue Note: It is a distinctive place with a calm and enjoyable atmosphere and a wonderful view.
- La Veranda: It is an upscale restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel.
FAQs
What are the features of Stanley Bridge?
It is a cultural landmark with an elegant architectural design a walkway and a tourist attraction on the Alexandria Corniche.
What are the most important beaches on the Alexandria Corniche?
Maamoura Beach Miami Beach, and Sidi Bishr Beach.
We have reached the end of the walkway and we are happy with the journey as if we are imitating it. What if the opportunity comes to us and we fly there to seize an irreplaceable opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of those we love, We hope that you like the article.