Built in 1477 by Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay to defend Alexandria's eastern harbor, the citadel stands on the exact site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which collapsed after a series of earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries. Qaitbay's builders reused fallen masonry and granite columns from the lighthouse's ruins, and archaeologists have identified some of these blocks within the fortress walls today. The structure follows a classic Mamluk military plan: a square keep surrounded by a defensive wall and moat, with a mosque, cannon emplacements, and soldiers' quarters inside. The fort suffered heavy damage from British naval bombardment in 1882 during the Anglo-Egyptian War and has undergone multiple restoration campaigns since, most extensively in the 1980s under the Egyptian Antiquities Organization. Interior rooms display a scale model of the ancient lighthouse alongside the fort's Mamluk-era layout. Underwater archaeological surveys off the citadel's promontory since the 1990s have recovered lighthouse fragments, colossal statues, and sphinxes, some visible today via glass-bottom boat tours departing from the nearby harbor.
| Admission | Adult EGP 200 (~$3.85) foreign visitors; EGP 40 (~$0.77) Egyptian/Arab nationals · Child Half price for students with valid ID |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9:00AM-5:00PM |
| Address | Kayetbai, As Sayalah Sharq, Alexandria, Egypt |
Why it matters
Built on the foundation of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the citadel physically links Alexandria's Hellenistic maritime power to its later Mamluk role as a Mediterranean coastal defense.
Location
Kayetbai, As Sayalah Sharq, Alexandria, Egypt
31.2136, 29.8850 View on map
Highlights
- Mamluk-era keep built directly atop the foundations of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse
- Reused granite lighthouse blocks visible within the fortress walls
- Small museum room with a scale model of the original lighthouse
- Rampart walkways with views over the Eastern Harbor and Mediterranean
- Interior courtyard mosque from the original 15th-century complex
Tips for visiting
- Visit near sunset for the best light over the harbor from the ramparts
- Wear flat shoes, as the fort has uneven stone stairs and narrow passages
- Allow 60-90 minutes to see the keep, museum room, and ramparts
- Glass-bottom boats near the citadel show submerged lighthouse ruins for an extra fee
Frequently asked questions
Is the site English-friendly?
Signage is in Arabic and English, and information panels explain the site's Mamluk and Pharos-era history.
How long does a full visit take?
A thorough visit, including the ramparts and small museum room, takes about an hour to 90 minutes.
Can visitors go with children?
Yes, though stairways to the upper ramparts are steep and narrow, so supervision is advised.