Citadel of Qaitbay Alexandria: Medieval Fortress & Lighthouse Site

Standing proudly on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the Citadel of Qaitbay is one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks and a testament to Egypt’s rich Islamic heritage. This impressive 15th-century fortress, built on the exact site where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood, connects Egypt’s ancient wonders with its medieval history in one spectacular location.

Standing proudly on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the Citadel of Qaitbay is one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks and a testament to Egypt’s rich Islamic heritage. This impressive 15th-century fortress, built on the exact site where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood, connects Egypt’s ancient wonders with its medieval history in one spectacular location.

A Fortress Built on Ancient Foundations

The Legend of the Pharos Lighthouse

Before Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay constructed his fortress in 1477 AD, this strategic peninsula was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria. Built around 280 BC during the Ptolemaic period, this towering beacon guided ships into Alexandria’s harbor for nearly 1,600 years, standing approximately 100-130 meters tall and visible from up to 50 kilometers at sea.

The lighthouse survived until a series of devastating earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries gradually destroyed this architectural marvel. By the time Sultan Qaitbay arrived in Alexandria in 1477, the lighthouse had been reduced to ruins, its massive stone blocks scattered across the peninsula and seafloor.

From Ancient Wonder to Medieval Fortress

Sultan Qaitbay, recognizing the strategic importance of this location, ordered the construction of a defensive fortress using the very limestone blocks from the collapsed lighthouse. This brilliant act of architectural recycling meant that pieces of one of humanity’s greatest ancient structures became the foundation of a new monument. When you touch the walls of Qaitbay Citadel today, you’re quite literally touching stones that once formed the legendary Pharos Lighthouse.

Architecture and Design

Islamic Military Architecture at Its Finest

The Citadel of Qaitbay exemplifies Mamluk military architecture, designed to defend Egypt’s Mediterranean coast from the expanding Ottoman Empire. The fortress features:

• Massive defensive walls made of limestone, some blocks clearly showing ancient Greek and Roman carvings from the original lighthouse
• Cylindrical corner towers providing 360-degree visibility and firing positions
• Crenellated battlements (merlons) along the walls for archers and defenders
• A central keep rising three stories, housing the main defensive position and commander’s quarters
• Arrow slits and machicolations strategically positioned for defending against naval and land attacks
• An inner courtyard where troops could assemble and supplies could be stored

The fortress’s angular design and strategic placement gave defenders clear sightlines across the harbor and surrounding waters, making it nearly impregnable to naval attack.

The Main Tower

The citadel’s central tower, standing at the fortress’s highest point, served multiple purposes:

• Command center during military operations
• Observation post for monitoring ship traffic
• Lighthouse function (ironically, the fortress became a lighthouse again)
• Storage for weapons and ammunition

Today, visitors can climb to the top of this tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor, the Mediterranean Sea stretching to the horizon, and the modern city skyline.

What to See at Qaitbay Citadel

The Naval Museum

Housed within the fortress walls, the Naval Museum showcases Egypt’s rich maritime history, including:

• Ancient Egyptian ship models and navigation instruments
• Greco-Roman maritime artifacts recovered from Alexandria’s underwater archaeology sites
• Islamic-period naval equipment and weapons
• Modern Egyptian Navy history
• Fascinating displays about underwater excavations searching for Pharos Lighthouse remains

The Mosque

A small but beautiful mosque within the citadel complex serves as a reminder that this military fortress was also a place of worship for the garrison soldiers. The mosque features classic Mamluk architectural elements and provides a peaceful contrast to the fortress’s martial character.

The Battlements and Ramparts

Walking along the fortress walls offers:

• Spectacular Mediterranean Sea views
• Understanding of medieval defensive strategies
• Photography opportunities from multiple angles
• Fresh sea breezes and the sound of waves crashing against the ancient stones

Historic Cannons

Original bronze cannons from various periods line the entrance courtyard and defensive positions, some dating back to the fortress’s active military days. These weapons provide tangible evidence of the citadel’s role in defending Egypt’s northern coast.

The Underwater Connection

The Sunken City

One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Qaitbay Citadel is knowing what lies beneath the waves. The waters surrounding the peninsula contain one of the world’s most significant underwater archaeological sites, with:

• Massive column drums from the ancient lighthouse
• Colossal statues of pharaohs and Ptolemaic rulers
• Sphinx sculptures
• Obelisks and architectural elements
• Ancient harbor structures and quays

French archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur led groundbreaking underwater expeditions in the 1990s that discovered over 3,000 architectural fragments from the Pharos Lighthouse on the seafloor. These discoveries confirmed that the fortress was indeed built on and from the ruins of the ancient wonder.

While the underwater ruins are accessible only to licensed divers, several museums in Alexandria display artifacts recovered from these submerged sites, and the knowledge that you’re standing directly above one of history’s greatest lost monuments adds profound depth to any visit.

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (March-May): Ideal weather with mild temperatures (18-25°C), perfect for exploring without summer heat.

Summer (June-August): Hot but tempered by Mediterranean breezes. Crowded with Egyptian domestic tourists. Best visited early morning or late afternoon.

Fall (September-November): Excellent weather returns, fewer crowds than summer, comfortable exploration conditions.

Winter (December-February): Mild temperatures (12-18°C) but occasional rain and wind. Fewer tourists, more atmospheric with dramatic seas.

Time of Day

Sunrise: Magical light, virtually empty, best for photography.

Midday: Full light for seeing architectural details, but can be hot in summer.

Late Afternoon/Sunset: Golden hour photography, cooler temperatures, romantic atmosphere as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

Practical Information

Location and Access

The Citadel of Qaitbay is located at the eastern end of the Corniche in the Anfushi neighborhood of Alexandria, approximately:

• 2.5 hours’ drive from Cairo (220 km)
• 20 minutes from Alexandria city center
• Walking distance from Alexandria’s other attractions along the Corniche

Entry and Visiting Hours

• Opening hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
• Entry fees: Modest admission fee (separate ticket for Naval Museum)
• Photography: Allowed (some restrictions inside museum)
• Accessibility: Limited for wheelchairs due to historic architecture with stairs

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (uneven stone surfaces)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Camera for spectacular Mediterranean views
• Light jacket if visiting in winter (sea breezes)
• Water bottle (limited facilities inside)

Combining Your Visit

The Citadel of Qaitbay works beautifully as part of a comprehensive Alexandria day trip. Consider combining it with:

Nearby Attractions:

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina (modern architectural marvel, 3 km)
• Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa (ancient underground necropolis, 4 km)
• Roman Amphitheater (2 km)
• Montaza Palace Gardens (8 km)
• Alexandria National Museum (2 km)

The Perfect Day in Alexandria:

• Morning: Citadel of Qaitbay + Naval Museum
• Lunch: Fresh seafood along the Corniche
• Afternoon: Bibliotheca Alexandrina or Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• Evening: Stroll along the Corniche at sunset

Why Visit Qaitbay Citadel?

Historical Significance

You’re standing on the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, touching stones that formed that ancient lighthouse, and exploring a fortress that defended Egypt for centuries.

Architectural Beauty

The harmonious blend of Mamluk military design with Mediterranean coastal setting creates stunning visual appeal from every angle.

Panoramic Views

Few locations in Egypt offer such breathtaking sea views combined with historical depth. The 360-degree vistas from the ramparts are unforgettable.

Photo Opportunities

From dramatic fortress walls against crashing waves to sunset silhouettes, Qaitbay offers endless photography possibilities.

Cultural Connection

The citadel represents Egypt’s Islamic heritage and medieval history, providing important context beyond the country’s more famous pharaonic monuments.

Experience Qaitbay with Empire Travel

Empire Travel offers comprehensive Alexandria tours from Cairo that include the Citadel of Qaitbay alongside other Mediterranean coast highlights. Our expert guides bring the fortress’s layered history to life, explaining the connection between the ancient Pharos Lighthouse and the medieval fortress, pointing out architectural details you might miss on your own, and ensuring you capture perfect photos from the best viewpoints.

Tour Options:

• Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo: Full-day excursion visiting Qaitbay Citadel, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Catacombs, and lunch along the Corniche
• Extended Alexandria Tours: Overnight stays allowing deeper exploration of the city’s Greco-Roman and Islamic heritage
• Custom Itineraries: Combine Alexandria with Cairo’s attractions (Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, NMEC) for comprehensive Egypt experiences

All tours include:

• Modern, air-conditioned transportation
• Professional, licensed Egyptologist guides
• Skip-the-line assistance where available
• Flexible pacing for photography and exploration
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Since 1987, Empire Travel has specialized in creating memorable Egyptian experiences, helping visitors connect with the country’s incredible history while ensuring comfort, safety, and genuine cultural encounters.

Ready to explore where ancient wonder meets medieval fortress? Contact us today to plan your Alexandria adventure and stand on the legendary site of the Pharos Lighthouse at the magnificent Citadel of Qaitbay.