10 hidden gems in Alexandria you should definitely see

This historical necropolis of Kom El Shoqafa - meaning 'Mound of Shards' - is based underground and dates back to the 2nd century AD. 

It consists of a series of tombs cut through solid rock, statues, and archaeological objects of the Pharaonic funeral cult, and entails influences from the Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman periods. 

The cemetery features an amalgamation of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures. Some statues are ancient Egyptian in style, yet display Roman clothing and hairstyles.

The site was rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell into the access shaft of the ancient catacombs. 

The name amphitheater is derived from the Greek word Amphi, meaning two or both. Its shape is just like two theatres joined together.

The famous Roman Amphitheater, built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, is a popular tourist attraction in Alexandria. The site also houses some of the long-forgotten monuments that were retrieved during deep-sea explorations.

The discovery of this historical site happened by chance when foundations were being laid for an apartment building on the site known as Kom al-Dikka meaning 'Mound of Rubble'.

In early 2010, the ruins of a Ptolemaic-era temple were uncovered along with statues of gods and goddesses, including the cat goddess Bastet.

While the only Roman amphitheater in Egypt may not be that impressive in scale, it remains to be one of the most well-preserved Roman monuments in the country.

The most famous mosque in Alexandria is dedicated to the 13th-century Andalusian Sufi saint Abul Abbas al-Mursi, from Murcia, hence his title Al-Mursi. 

Egyptians admired him and his legacy, and consequently, the name Mursi became one of the most common names in Egypt.

In 1796, the mosque was built over the tomb of the Sufi saint located in the Anfoushi neighborhood of Alexandria.

In the 1920s, Italian architects Eugenio Valzania and Mario Rossi redesigned and rebuilt this religious monument. They were highly influenced by Egypt's Old Cairo buildings, giving Alexandrians an architectural masterpiece to be proud of. 

The Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue is the oldest in Alexandria. 

It was originally built in 1354 but was bombed by the French during Napoleon Bonaparte’s expedition in 1798. 

In 1850, the synagogue was reconstructed with contributions from the Mohamed Ali Pasha dynasty.

Zan'et El Sitat is one of the most interesting and popular markets known to date. It's made up of narrow alleys dating back to the Ottoman Period in the 18th century. 

The ever-busy Zan'et El Sitat - meaning 'women's market' - unfolds a world of its own. 

The old crowded market is a shopping heaven, especially for ladies and children. Everything from textiles, make-up, perfumes, spices, jewellery, to toys and computer supplies are sold there.

Located in the Manshia district, the colourful bazaar is notoriously associated with memories of Egypt's most infamous women serial killers of the first half of the 20th century, Raya and Sakina. 

The two sisters, Raya and Sakina, drew their 17 victims from Zan'et El Sitat, killing them for their gold jewellery.

Alexandria Stadium is a multi-purpose sports arena and the oldest stadium in Egypt and Africa, being built in 1929. 

The stadium can hold up to 13,660 people and is mostly used for football matches. It also hosted the 2006 African Cup of Nations games. 

The ancient walls of Alexandria were built by the Romans and were repaired and reinforced by the Tulunids in the late 9th century. 

Consistent reinforcement of the old city walls throughout its history made Alexandria one of the strongest fortified cities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In modern times, only some ruins remain preserved. One of the remaining towers is now integrated as a part of the wall surrounding Alexandria Stadium. The rest of the wall ruins can be spotted at the nearby Shallalat Gardens.

The Montaza complex was once a quiet summer destination of the royal family, showcasing Egypt's most magnificent beauty and charm.

It is located on the Eastern edge of the city of Alexandria, consisting of a palace and lush gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

It was originally built in 1892 by Khedive Abbas II as a hunting lodge and a residence. Its architectural design was influenced by both Turkish and Florentine styles.

Today, the palace complex contains five beaches for swimming: Aida, Cleopatra, Vanessa, Semiramis, and the private beach of Helnan Palestine Hotel.

This famous art and history museum is located in the former palace of Princess Fatma Al-Zahra Haider. 

Her initials - FH - can still be spotted in many places throughout the museum, including on statues of the royal family. 

The building's halls house a marvelous collection of jewels and jewelry of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty. 

Breathtaking paintings and decorative art dating back to the 19th century are exhibited throughout the museum's rooms and lobbies.

The old Italian mansion is home to Alexandria's National Museum. It contains around 1,800 artifacts that narrate the story of Alexandria and Egypt.

The basement of the museum tells the story of ancient Egypt and the ground floor depicts the Hellenistic period. Located on the first floor is a combination of pieces from Coptic and Islamic Egypt, in addition to some belongings of the 20th-century royal family.

This 15th-century defensive fortress overlooking the Mediterranean seacoast was built in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay. 

The Citadel is situated on the eastern side of the northern tip of Pharos Island. 

The fortress was erected at the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, which collapsed after a powerful earthquake a century before. 

The famous lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.