Introduction
The Qaitbay Citadel is a Mamluk sea fortress that occupies the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse. Exploring this attraction means walking along stone ramparts and climbing to the keep for views over the Eastern Harbour and city.
Exploring the Qaitbay Citadel is easier when the trip has been planned to include Alexandria as part of a wider visit to Egypt. Use OFT travel’s Egypt travel packages to find an open itinerary that matches your dates, then book the one that suits you.
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What Happened to the Ancient Lighthouse on Pharos Island?
The lighthouse of Alexandria was constructed in the early years of the Ptolemaic dynasty on a rocky outcrop known as Pharos Island. Ptolemy I built a long causeway to the island but, after centuries of silt build-up, the connection became a narrow strip of land. The bay that protected ancient merchant vessels lies on the other side of the fortress.
The Pharos lighthouse guided ships to Alexandria for centuries but, following a series of earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries, only a fraction of the structure remained standing. The Ptolemies who commissioned the lighthouse also influenced temple building along the Nile – evident at Kom Ombo Temple in Upper Egypt.
Why Did Sultan Qaitbay Build a Fortress Here?
Sultan Qaitbay ordered the construction of a new fortress on the site of the ruined lighthouse around 1477. Protection of the harbor from enemy ships was a priority, and the most strategic position lay on this headland. The builders incorporated blocks from the fallen lighthouse into the new walls so that visitors can see fragments of this ancient wonder in the fortress.
It is this combination of history and location that makes the Mamluk castle so fascinating. The view from its ramparts takes in the Eastern Harbour and city. This coastal area was the focus of the ancient civilization that built the lighthouse and, later, during the British bombardment of Egypt in 1882, suffered significant damage. The Qaitbay Citadel was restored in the twentieth century and remains an important monument.
What Can You See Inside the Qaitbay Citadel?
Walking the fortress is a relaxed way to spend a couple of hours as the visitor passes from open courtyards into narrow stairways.
Walls, Towers and Sea Views
The fortress has an enclosing wall and towers at the corners from which the visitor enjoys panoramic views over the Eastern Harbour, the city and the sea. This is where the atmosphere of the place comes alive as fishing boats move gently on the water.
The Keep and Its Mosque
The keep dominates the center of the fortress, in the rough location of the Pharos lighthouse. There is a small mosque inside the fortress, so visitors are advised to dress modestly. The keep has internal chambers and stairways that lead to higher levels with views over the ramparts and the bay.
Underwater Remains Near the Fortress
Since the 1990s, marine excavations have been uncovering large blocks of stone on the seabed near the fortress. Archaeologists have linked them to the lighthouse and other buildings, but divers continue looking for more evidence.
How Do You Plan a Visit to the Citadel?
The Qaitbay Citadel is located on the Corniche in the Anfushi district, at the western end of the Eastern Harbour. A walk along the old causeway towards Pharos Island makes the approach feel like a journey, with the sea on either hand. Comfortable shoes with a good grip are essential as the surface of the stones is uneven and there are steep steps in places.
Opening times and entry requirements are subject to change, so double-check before departure. If you prefer not to organize anything yourself, OFT Travel’s Egypt travel packages include Alexandria as part of an extended itinerary. Travelers who also want to visit neighboring countries could look at the multi-country tours that combine Egypt with other destinations.
Which Cairo Stops Pair Well With Alexandria?
It is common to combine Alexandria with a trip to Cairo, taking in a very different side of Egypt. While the fortress is more about the Mediterranean, Ptolemaic, and Mamluk history, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo holds the treasures of ancient Egypt. The mummies in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the central exhibition hall chart the early history of Egypt.
For a more leisurely evening in the capital, Khan El-Khalili is a historic marketplace in Islamic Cairo with winding alleys, traditional shops, and a place to sit down and relax before exploring more.
FAQs
What is the Qaitbay Citadel?
It is a Mamluk sea fortress at the tip of the Eastern Harbour in Alexandria. The citadel was built by Sultan Qaitbay around 1477 on the old site of the Pharos lighthouse.
Who built the fortress and why?
The Sultan ordered its construction after earthquakes had left the lighthouse a ruin. Its purpose was to protect the harbor, and the builders used some of the old stone.
Where is Pharos Island today?
The island is now connected to the mainland and makes up part of the Alexandria peninsula. The causeway linking it to the city was originally built by Ptolemy I, but silt gradually extended the land connection. The fortress is on the eastern tip of the island, facing the open sea.
What can visitors see at the fortress?
Walking the outer walls and corner towers offers views over the city and harbor. The visitor can explore the central keep and the small mosque inside. The ramparts also provide a vantage point to look out over the Mediterranean Sea.
Can Alexandria fit into a longer Egypt trip?
It is common to see Alexandria included as part of a tour of Egypt. The ancient monuments of Upper Egypt in Luxor and Aswan make a good match, with Cairo in between. OFT Travel provides itineraries that combine these destinations with guided visits.
