Greco Roman Museum & Montaza Palace Gardens

OVERVIEW

Browse an archaeological museum full of Greek and Roman antiquities and stroll through the lavish gardens that surround a 19th-century palace built for Egypt’s royal family. The collection of artifacts in the Greco Roman Museum includes remarkable pieces such as a silver torso of Aphrodite, coins from the 7th century B.C. and mummies and sarcophagi. One of the most spectacular pieces is the white marble statue of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. A panoramic drive along Alexandria’s waterfront Corniche will bring you to Montaza Palace, a summer retreat for King Farouk until he was overthrown in a 1952 military coup. From the meticulously manicured gardens, you will have a wonderful view of the palace, which bears a distinct Turkish and Florentine design. Later, you will stop for photos of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the city’s state-of-the-art library complex. It pays homage to the famed ancient Library of Alexandria, which was lost to fire.

HIGHLIGHTS
• See priceless antiquities – many found in Alexandria – in the Greco Roman Museum.
• Meander through the beautiful gardens that surround the ornate Montaza Palace.
• Snap photos at Alexandria’s modern library, which honors its legendary ancient library.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.