Egypt Guide
Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Opening time: Mon, Wed, Thurs & Sun 9am–7pm, Fri & Sat 3–7pm
Price: £E48; £E20 photography
Website: www.bibalex.gov.eg
On the mainland beyond Silsileh, another wonder of antiquity has been resurrected in a new form. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina resembles a giant discus embedded in the ground at an angle, representing a second sun rising beside the Mediterranean. Pictograms, hieroglyphs and letters from every alphabet are carved on its exterior, evoking the diversity of knowledge embodied in the ancient library and the aspirations of the new one.
The project to create a new Bibliotheca Alexandrina was approved by UNESCO in 1987 and cost some $355 million, mainly met by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates and Iraq. Repeated setbacks delayed its inauguration ceremony until 2002, but now that it is open, it is recognized as one of Alexandria's must-visits, in particular for its architecture and museums. The complex, designed by a Norwegian– Austrian team of architects and built by Egyptian, British and Italian contractors, also includes a cultural centre (in the block opposite the entrance to the library).