The Cavafy Museum occupies the apartment in central Alexandria where the Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy lived from 1907 until his death. The street was known as Rue Lepsius in his time, and it now carries his name. Cavafy, born in Alexandria in 1863, wrote some of the best-loved poems of the twentieth century, including works about the city, memory and ancient history, and the house is the place to understand the city through his eyes. After a restoration led by the Onassis Foundation with the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, the house opened to the public in 2024. Rooms are arranged by theme, covering his global reputation and translations, his links with Alexandria, his family tree, diaries, letters and correspondence, a recreated salon and contemporary art responses to his work. The balcony looks out over the city.
What to see
The museum is small and best taken slowly. Look for the room of translations, which shows how widely his poetry has travelled, the recreated salon where he received guests, and the archive material that sets his life in the cosmopolitan Alexandria of the early twentieth century.
The Onassis Foundation notes that many personal objects are kept in the Cavafy Archive in Athens, so this is a house of ideas and documents rather than a collection of possessions. The balcony is a highlight, and you can read a poem while looking out over the streets.
Practical points
Allow about an hour. Opening days, hours and ticket arrangements can change, so confirm them before you go, and expect modest crowds and a calm atmosphere. The museum is in the downtown grid, within easy reach of the Roman Amphitheatre and the Graeco-Roman Museum by taxi or on foot, which makes it a convenient addition to a downtown morning. English-language material helps non-Greek readers, but a little knowledge of his poetry makes the visit richer, so read a few poems beforehand.
Is it worth it? Yes for readers, writers and anyone who wants to feel the cosmopolitan Alexandria that disappeared in the mid-twentieth century. It is less obvious for visitors who want monuments and views. If you have only a short stay, give priority to the Library, the Citadel and the catacombs, and add the Cavafy house when you have a spare hour in the downtown area. A cup of coffee at one of the old downtown cafes is the right way to end the visit.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit through the rooms of a restored apartment, with manuscripts, letters, translations and a recreated salon.
Best time
Mid-morning on a weekday, when the apartment is quiet.
How long
About an hour.
Tips
Read a few poems beforehand, check opening days and hours, and step onto the balcony for the view.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Readers, poetry lovers and anyone curious about the cosmopolitan Alexandria of the early twentieth century.
- Families
- Best for older children and teenagers with an interest in books and history.
- Couples
- A calm, thoughtful stop in the middle of a downtown day.
- Pair with
- The Roman Amphitheatre and the Graeco-Roman Museum, then coffee in a downtown cafe.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Who was Cavafy?+
Constantine P. Cavafy, a Greek poet born in Alexandria in 1863 who lived in this apartment from 1907 until his death. He wrote about the city, memory and the ancient world.
What can I see inside?+
Rooms on his translations, his links with Alexandria, family papers, letters, a recreated salon and contemporary art responses, plus a balcony over the city.
When did it open?+
The restored house opened to the public in 2024 after a restoration led by the Onassis Foundation.
Where are his personal belongings?+
Many personal and decorative objects are kept in the Cavafy Archive in Athens, so the Alexandria house focuses on documents, ideas and the setting.
How long should I allow?+
About an hour is enough. Confirm opening days, hours and tickets before you go.
