Citadel of Qaitbay is a historic 15th-century fortress standing proudly along the Mediterranean coast in Alexandria, built on the exact site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Constructed in 1477 by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay, the fort was designed to defend Egypt’s northern coast against naval invasions, particularly from the Ottoman Empire. Its thick stone walls, defensive towers, and strategic seaside position made it a crucial military stronghold for centuries.
The structure incorporates stones believed to have been salvaged from the ruins of the ancient lighthouse, linking it directly to one of history’s most famous lost monuments. Today, the citadel offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean, historic chambers, and a powerful sense of Egypt’s layered past, blending ancient legacy with medieval Islamic military architecture.