Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Fortress · Alexandria, Alexandria
Qaitbay Citadel
Fortress of the Mamluk sultan Qaitbay, from the 15th century, on the tip of the eastern harbor, built on the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, with walls over the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Qaitbay Citadel
The Citadel of Qaitbay stands on the tip of the former island of Pharos, at the entrance to Alexandria’s eastern harbor. It was built in 1477 by the Mamluk sultan Qaitbay on the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by earthquakes; some of the lighthouse’s stones were reused in the construction.
The fortress has a central keep of three floors, with a small mosque, surrounded by walls and towers over the sea. From the top of the walls you can see the bay of the eastern harbor and the Corniche.
Under the sea in front of the citadel, underwater archaeologists found blocks and statues from the Lighthouse and from Ptolemaic palaces.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour.
Best time
In the late afternoon, with the sun setting over the sea.
How to get there
By taxi or on foot along the Corniche, on the tip of the eastern harbor, about 3 km from the center.
Tip
Climb the seaward walls to view the bay and the Corniche.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Qaitbay Citadel
Is the Qaitbay Citadel on the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
Yes. It was built in 1477 on the site of the Lighthouse, using some of its stones.
What is there to see at the Qaitbay Citadel?
The central keep, the small mosque and the seawall fortifications, with views of the bay.
Where is the Qaitbay Citadel?
At the tip of the eastern harbor of Alexandria, about 3 km from the center.