Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria (must see)

Bibliotheca Alexandrina was created as a modern response to one of antiquity’s most famous centres of learning: the ancient Library of Alexandria. Opened in 2002, the new institution does not try to recreate the lost library stone by stone. Instead, it presents a contemporary vision of knowledge, research, public culture, and international exchange, bringing books, museums, archives, exhibitions, and science programmes into one large complex.

The building was designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta as a large tilted cylinder, often interpreted as a sun disk rising from the Mediterranean and symbolizing the rebirth of ancient knowledge. Nearby, the spherical planetarium continues the sun-and-moon symbolism, while the roof’s glass and aluminium pattern suggests a computer microchip. The granite exterior is carved with characters from over 120 writing systems, including alphabets, symbols, musical notation, and Braille.

Inside, the main reading room descends through a series of terraced levels, creating a sense of movement from open public space into deeper study areas. North-facing roof windows provide soft daylight while limiting heat and glare. Underground protection helps guard the building from seawater, while older collections placed on lower levels give the modern library a symbolic historical foundation.

Beyond the reading areas, Bibliotheca Alexandrina functions as a wider cultural centre. Its facilities include specialized libraries, museums, temporary exhibitions, research centres, conservation spaces, a conference centre, and a planetarium. The library also has a major French-language collection, expanded by a 2010 donation from the National Library of France. The Sadat Museum adds a modern historical layer, displaying personal objects linked to President Anwar Sadat, including the uniform he wore during his 1981 assassination.