11 photos that show Alexandria's incredible history and culture

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria has been a historic center for culture and knowledge for thousands of years.

Although Cairo is Egypt's principle city, the rich significant history and tradition embedded throughout the streets of Alexandria cannot be ignored. Throughout the centuries, wars, disasters and empires, this city has stood the test of time, remaining an important hallmark of modern-day Egypt.

It's the largest Roman column ever built outside of Rome and Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The explorer Ibn Battuta famously climbed over the structure during his travels.

The citadel was established in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay. It is located directly on top of the site of the former Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the wonders of the ancient world.

Designed in a mixture of Turkish and Florentine styles, the Montaza Palace was built in 1892 and definitely is a sight to take in. Although access to the inside of the palace is restricted, the extensive and lush gardens are open to the public.

This impressive and uniquely designed library and cultural center sits picturesquely next to the city's Mediterranean coast. Established in 2002, the building features several specific libraries and museum exhibits.

This extensive complex of Roman ruins contains Egypt's only known Roman amphitheater. Still under ongoing excavation, the site includes Roman baths, lecture halls and a small village, with the Villa of the Birds (a large house filled with beautiful mosaics) at the center.

The Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa contain a series of ancient Alexandrian tombs, statues and archaeological objects of the Pharaonic funeral cult with Hellenistic and early Roman influences. Enter and explore ... if you dare!

This ornate mosque is dedicated to and contains the tomb of the 13th century Alexandrine Sufi saint Abul Abbas al-Mursi. The mosque was redesigned in the 20th century, however.