Islamic monument · Alexandria
Qaitbay Citadel
Mamluk fortress rising where the Pharos once stood
- City
- Alexandria
- Type
- Islamic monument
- Era
- Mamluk period, c. 1477–1479 AD
Overview
Qaitbay Citadel stands on the eastern tip of the old Pharos Island, at the mouth of Alexandria's Eastern Harbour. It was built in the late 15th century, around 1477–1479, by the Mamluk Sultan al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay. Its purpose was to defend the Egyptian coast against threats from the sea. Today it is one of the best-known landmarks of Alexandria, and its silhouette against the Mediterranean is among the most photographed views in the city.
The fortress occupies the site of the Pharos of Alexandria, the great lighthouse counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pharos was raised in the early Ptolemaic period, in the 3rd century BC. Earthquakes damaged it repeatedly in the medieval centuries, and by the 14th century it lay in ruins. Qaitbay's builders reused stone from the fallen lighthouse, so the citadel is physically tied to one of antiquity's most famous monuments.
The complex consists of a defensive outer wall with towers and a central keep, with a mosque within the fortifications. The citadel was damaged during the British naval bombardment of Alexandria in 1882 and was restored in later periods. Part of the site has been used as a maritime museum, which suits a building so closely tied to the sea. Together, the architecture and the harbour views show how Alexandria's defences developed over the centuries.
What to see
- 01The central keep and its upper levels, with sweeping views over the sea and the Eastern Harbour
- 02The outer walls, towers and defensive features that show how the Mamluk coastal fortress was designed
- 03The small mosque inside the fortifications, a reminder of the garrison's daily life
- 04Ancient stone blocks reused in the walls, linked to the lost Pharos lighthouse
Visitor tips
- Check the current opening hours and ticket details with official sources before you go, as they can change.
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, because the site has stairs, uneven stone surfaces and sea spray on windy days.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Corniche and the Eastern Harbour for the best views of the fortress, especially in the softer light of late afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Who built Qaitbay Citadel and when?
The Mamluk Sultan al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay had it built in the late 15th century, around 1477–1479, to strengthen Alexandria's coastal defences.
Is Qaitbay Citadel built on the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
Yes. The fortress stands on the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse, which was ruined by earthquakes by the 14th century. Stone from the fallen lighthouse was reused in the citadel.
Where is Qaitbay Citadel located?
It is on the eastern tip of the former Pharos Island, at the entrance to Alexandria's Eastern Harbour, at the end of the Corniche road.
