The oldest library in the world, Alexandria, Egypt

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an iconic cultural landmark in Alexandria, Egypt, combining ancient academic heritage with modern architectural art. 🏛 Library Overview and Historical Background The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina was completed in 2002 and is located on the Mediterranean coast. It aims to revive the spirit of the ancient Library of Alexandria. The ancient library was built in the 3rd century BC and was once one of the largest knowledge centers in the world, with approximately 40,000 to 400,000 scrolls covering literature, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy and medicine. The new library was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. The exterior walls are engraved with text in 120 languages, symbolizing the integration of global cultures. The library has facilities such as the main library, museum, planetarium, conference center, etc., with a collection of about 8 million books.    • Opening hours: • Saturday to Thursday: 10:00–19:00 • Friday: 14:00–19:00 • Closed on public holidays • Main Library: 70,000 square meters of reading space, more than 2,000 seats, and a rich collection of books. • Manuscript Museum: Displays ancient documents and manuscripts. • Antiquities Museum: Collects historical artifacts from Egypt and the Mediterranean. • Sadat Museum: Commemorates the life of former Egyptian President Sadat. • History of Science Museum: Introduces the history of scientific development. • Planetarium: Provides an immersive astronomical experience, suitable for family tourists. • ALEXploratorium: An interactive science center for young people to explore scientific knowledge. • Architectural features: The library building is cylindrical with a beveled roof, symbolizing the rising sun.      • Library exterior wall: engraved with multiple languages, it is a popular background for taking photos. • Transportation: It is recommended to use a taxi or online car-hailing service. The library is located in the city center and has convenient transportation. • Guided tour service: The library provides multilingual guided tour services. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance. • Dress code: No revealing clothes are allowed in the library. It is recommended to dress appropriately. • Photography regulations: Some exhibition areas prohibit taking photos. Please pay attention to the relevant information before entering the museum. #Sign up for tripbest July hotel tester