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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria was renowned as a beacon of culture, gaining legendary status in the ancient world. The city was the setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and was home to Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as the Library of Alexandria, a celebrated centre of learning. The city endured a decline until the 19th century.

Today, Alexandria is Egypt’s second-largest metropolis and its Mediterranean gateway to the world. Known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, the city has an ambience that feels more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern – though it is only 225 kilometres (140 miles) from Cairo.

As an economic and industrial hub of one of the world’s oldest civilisations, Alexandria mixes glories of the past with 21st-century trade, commerce and culture. Archaeological treasures such as Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Amphitheatre and underwater ruins reflect the city’s history. Re-establishing the city’s reputation as a pre-eminent cultural centre, the famous library was reborn in 2002 as Bibliotheca Alexandria, a museum, exhibition and research complex.

On a sandy stretch just east of old Alexandria is San Stefano, an area with a storied history as a playground for royals, tycoons and movie stars – often called Alexandria’s Riviera. With spectacular Mediterranean views and fresh sea breezes, San Stefano has long been regarded as the summer capital of the Middle East.

San Stefano has re-emerged as the city’s most exciting district, with the addition of shopping, cinemas and residences in the new San Stefano Grand Plaza – the setting for Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria.

Time zone

GMT +2 hours, Eastern European Time
GMT +3 hours, Eastern European Summer Time

Language(s) spoken

Arabic is the official language; English and French are also widely spoken.

Electrical system

220 – 240 volts AC. Adapters are available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

11:00 am to 11:00 pm every day. (Closed Friday between 12:00 noon and 1:30 pm for prayer.)
Some supermarkets are open 24 hours daily.

Working hours

General working hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The private sector closes Friday and Saturday; government offices close Thursday and Friday.

Time and distance to city centre

9-minute drive/9 kilometres/5.6 miles

Time and distance to shopping

• The Hotel is part of San Stefano Grand Plaza, which contains a shopping mall and cinemas.
• City Centre Mall – 14-minute drive/13.2 kilometres/8.2 miles
• Green Plaza – 10-minute drive/10 kilometres/6.2 miles

Time and distance to financial district

6-minute drive/6 kilometres/3.7 miles

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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