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Bibliotheca Alexandrina

El Shatby | P.O. Box 138, Alexandria, Egypt
+(203) 4839999
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Ranked #1 of 34 attractions in Alexandria
Type: Libraries
Owner description: Located near the site of the ancient library of Alexandria, this modern version is an eleven-story, cylindrical-shaped building that houses more than... more » Owner description: Located near the site of the ancient library of Alexandria, this modern version is an eleven-story, cylindrical-shaped building that houses more than eight million books. « less
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173 reviews from our community

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    129
    31
    11
    1
    1
Date Rating
Ottawa, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

Other than being an absolutely gorgeous building, it was built with some amazing technology, architecture and is part library, part museum, part art gallery, totally impressive. Some of the special areas have an admission fee and I would recommend you pay the nominal fee. I spent some quality time in the room with the ancient documents and books - too... More

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See 2 more reviews by TravelLot123 for Alexandria
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

By far one of the most amazing libraries I've ever seen. There's a vibe in here that you can't describe. The design is amazing. Modern, but timeless. The museums are also something to witness. A must do if you visit Alexandria.

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See 4 more reviews by Marries for Alexandria
Jordan
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
114 helpful votes 114 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

It's a must .... Marvelous place , historical one although of the modern architectural building with many thoughful details .. Many museums to visit , most intresting the one of anwar sadat ... Very organized visit , you need to ask about a guide in the entrance .. The visit may take a half day but it will be a... More

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Springfield, Massachusetts
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

the best part of Alexandria! This place is def a wonder of the world. Plan to stay a while and wander around.

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See 3 more reviews by sarahB75 for Alexandria
Alexandria, Egypt
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Here you can spend the day researching something for your studies, Enjoy the few museums within the library , have a drink in any of the cafes in the plaza & enjoy the scenic view .. it's a way to spend the day differently & informatively ..

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See 10 more reviews by HarouniEG for Alexandria
Jaipur, India
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013 via mobile

Am very happy to have seen this piece of architectural wonder. If you are a books person definitely visit this place for the feel good factor. Although for someone who is a tourist its more of a disappointment as you cannot explore the huge place. But its wonderful to see the level f organisation that goes into managing this place.... More

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Muscat, Oman
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Worthy of visit if u r into history and want to know a bit about the Egyptian culture. Would recommend the full pass ticket as it gives you access to the mummy archives and papyrus reeds.

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See 4 more reviews by Vishnu N for Alexandria
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
199 helpful votes 199 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

It is worth it to go even if you never set foot inside. The building itself is breathtaking and worth walking around and staring at for a long time. Of course the original Library, one of the ancient wonders of the world, was burned to the ground, this one that took its place is just as awesome. It was great... More

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Superior, Colorado
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

This modern structure was built on the site of the ancient library. The original library purportedly held the largest collection of manuscripts in the world and was considered a center of learning for approximately 600 years. Today’s building boasts a 160m-diameter glass-panelled roof tilted out toward the sea like a sundial. Walking from the bus to the entrance we passed... More

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See 2 more reviews by sandyB56 for Alexandria
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013 via mobile

Visiting it is a must when in Alexandria. The building doesn't blend in with the surrounding architecture, but the place is magnificent on the inside, with vast spaces, and great design. The museums inside are also worth a visit. It feels like one of the few quiet and peaceful places around Alexandria.

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