Lighthouse of Alexandria: Discover Fascinating Facts About This Ancient Wonder

The tower was built in the third century BCE during the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty. This was a Greek-Macedonian dynasty that ruled over Egypt after Alexander’s death. Construction began under Ptolemy I, and the tower was completed under his son Ptolemy II. The tower is traditionally attributed to the Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus. Ptolemy I was a general under Alexander and took control of Egypt. Ptolemy II continued the construction of the new capital, giving it many amazing monuments. If you want to learn more about the wider background of this royal family, take a look at our Egyptian Pharaohs guide, which explains the history of the rulers right up to Cleopatra VII and where the Ptolemies fit in the history.
The tower was a three-tiered tower with a square base, octagonal middle section, and round top. It was over 100 metres in height (exact height is unknown). Many authors such as Strabo and Pliny the Elder mention the tower in their writings. These facts about the Lighthouse of Alexandria are mostly known from written records and later archaeological findings.

The area where the city now stands was once a small settlement called Rhakotis. When Alexander founded the city in 331 BCE, it had to build its own harbour and landmarks. Under the Ptolemies, the city became the capital of Egypt. Later, a causeway called the Heptastadion connected the island to the mainland. This created two harbours, the Eastern and Western harbours.
The area is very flat along the coastline, meaning that having a tall tower gave the captains a clear landmark to see. The Ptolemies also made Alexandria a centre of learning, with the Mouseion and library. This meant the harbour would be busy with scholars and tourists as well as goods. Having such a busy city meant they would want to have the tallest building they could to mark the entrance to the city.

The tower had a fire on top of it at night. Some sources mention there was a mirror on the tower, which may have helped reflect the light. The tower helped sailors navigate into the harbour as they approached the flat coastline of Egypt. During the day, the height of the tower helped sailors see the entrance. Authors mention the tower as being a landmark. The name of the island, Pharos, became the word for lighthouse in many languages such as French (phare) and Spanish (faro).
The tower was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World according to Greek authors. This list also includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is over two thousand years older than the Lighthouse. This is the only wonder that still stands today. You can still climb up to the pyramid today. If you want to learn more about the Giza Pyramids and other attractions in Cairo, take a look at our Cairo Attractions guide.

The tower stood for well over a thousand years. However, over time it began to fall apart. There were several earthquakes between the tenth and fourteenth centuries CE. This caused the tower to become damaged. By the later Middle Ages, very little of the tower was standing.
During the fifteenth century, Sultan Qaitbay built a fortress on the site. This can still be seen today, as the fortress still stands to protect the harbour. This means the history of the old tower is very closely linked to the Qaitbay Citadel.

The Qaitbay Citadel stands over the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria. You can walk around the walls and look out across the water to where the tower once stood. The citadel shows how the stones were reused from the old tower. As it is on the edge of the harbour, you can easily see how the two buildings are related. Take a look at our Qaitbay Citadel guide to learn more about its history, architecture and what to see.
Some parts of the tower can also be seen underwater. Since the 1990s, divers have been working near the citadel to recover blocks, columns and statues from the seabed. These have been linked to the area of the Pharos and the ancient harbour by archaeologists.
Alexandria is on the Mediterranean coastline, and many travellers visit the city as part of a wider trip around Egypt. OFT Travel offers Egypt travel packages with multiple stops. This means you can include the harbour, temples, and museums.

The Ptolemies built many sites. Take a look at our Edfu Temple guide to learn more about the Temple of Horus. This was built in 237 BCE under Ptolemy III and took around 180 years to complete. The reliefs and sanctuary are traditional Egyptian. This shows how the same dynasty was involved in both very different styles of architecture.
Another Ptolemaic temple can be found in Kom Ombo. If you like sailing between temples, take a look at our Nile River Cruises.

What are the key facts about the Lighthouse of Alexandria?

The tower was built in the third century BCE during the reign of the Ptolemies. It was a three-tiered tower at the harbour of Alexandria. The tower had a fire on top to help ships navigate at night. It was one of the seven wonders according to ancient authors. Over the centuries, it has suffered damage from earthquakes. It now has the Qaitbay Citadel built on its site.

Who Built the Pharos of Alexandria?

The tower was started under Ptolemy I and completed under Ptolemy II. The tower is traditionally attributed to a Greek architect called Sostratus of Cnidus. Ancient authors mention him in relation to the tower.

Is the Pharos still standing?

No. The tower collapsed due to a series of earthquakes between the tenth and fourteenth centuries CE. Now the Qaitbay Citadel stands on the site. Divers have recovered stone remains from the seabed near the site.

How tall was the Pharos?

Over 100 metres in height according to ancient sources. The exact height is unknown as there is no complete structure remaining. The height is based on written accounts.

Why is it called the Pharos?

The island that the tower was built on was called the Pharos. Over time, this became the word for lighthouse in many languages.