Welcome to Alexandria, a city steeped in history and culture, where the echoes of ancient civilizations still linger in its streets. Today, we focus on a significant figure who called this city home: Constantine P. Cavafy, the celebrated Greek poet. Born in 1863 in Alexandria, Cavafy spent much of his life in this vibrant city, which deeply influenced his writing. His works often reflect the rich historical tapestry of Alexandria, drawing on themes from both its Hellenic past and the modern era.
Cavafy’s family moved to Liverpool, England, after his father’s death in 1877, but he returned to Alexandria in 1885, where he would remain for the rest of his life. Working as a clerk at the Ministry of Public Works by day, he dedicated his evenings to writing poetry that would later earn him international acclaim. His apartment on what was once Rue Lepsis, now C.P. Cavafy Street, remains a site of literary pilgrimage today.
Cavafy’s poetry is renowned for its historical themes, often set in the very streets of Alexandria that you might be walking through now. His poem ‘Alexandrian Kings,’ for example, captures the grandeur and eventual decline of Cleopatra’s reign, echoing the city’s own shifts through time.
Through his verses, Cavafy explored the complexities of human experience, identity, and the passage of time, making his work timeless and universally relatable. His legacy is celebrated in Alexandria with a museum dedicated to his life and works, located in his former residence.
As you traverse Alexandria, remember that this city has seen the rise and fall of empires, and through it all, figures like Cavafy have captured its essence in works that continue to resonate around the world.
