The Citadel of Qaitbay guards the tip of the peninsula that closes the Eastern Harbour. The Mamluk sultan Qaitbay built it between 1477 and 1479, using stone from the ruins of the Pharos, the ancient lighthouse that counted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A double ring of walls and towers surrounds a courtyard of barracks and storerooms, with a square three-storey keep in one corner and a small mosque inside. Climb to the roof of the keep and you look back across the Corniche, while the Mediterranean breaks on the rocks below. The fort is compact, so a visit takes about an hour, and the breakwater outside is a favourite place for locals to fish and watch the sunset.
The Lighthouse connection
The Pharos was built in the third century BCE and guided ships for well over a thousand years before earthquakes brought it down. Its stones ended up in the citadel's walls and in the sea, where divers have since found fragments of statues and columns. There is no museum of the lighthouse inside the fort, so it helps to know the story before you arrive.
Inside the fort
Walk the outer wall for views over the harbour, then enter the courtyard and climb the stairs of the main tower. Rooms in the keep are mostly bare, which suits the visit well, because the point is the architecture and the setting. Sturdy shoes help on stone steps, and the wind off the sea can be strong, so bring a light layer in winter.
Planning
The fort opens during the day and tickets are priced higher for foreign visitors, so carry some cash. The busiest hours are late morning, when cruise and day-tour groups arrive, and golden hour brings crowds back for the sunset. Many visitors combine it with a seafood lunch in the nearby fishing harbour and a slow walk along the Corniche to the Eastern Harbour.
What to expect
The experience
A walk around a compact medieval sea fort with ramparts, a courtyard and a keep you can climb for harbour views.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer tour groups.
How long
About an hour inside, longer if you add the breakwater and a seafood lunch.
Tips
Bring cash for the ticket, wear shoes with grip, and pack a light layer for the sea wind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want the classic Alexandria view and a link to the ancient Lighthouse.
- Families
- Children enjoy the towers and ramparts, though stairs and drops need supervision.
- Couples
- Very romantic near sunset, when the breakwater and fort turn gold.
- Pair with
- The Corniche walk and a seafood meal in the nearby fishing harbour.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is the Citadel of Qaitbay built on the Lighthouse of Alexandria?+
Yes, it stands on the site of the Pharos and reuses stone from its ruins. The lighthouse itself fell to earthquakes long before the fort was built.
Can I go inside the fort?+
Yes, with a ticket you can walk the walls, cross the courtyard and climb into the main keep. The interiors are simple, so the setting is the attraction.
How long should I spend there?+
An hour is enough for the fort itself. Add another hour or more if you want to walk the breakwater and eat nearby.
Is it suitable for young children or people with limited mobility?+
Children usually enjoy it, but there are steps, uneven stone and exposed edges. Visitors with limited mobility can see the courtyard and parts of the walls but not every level.
When is the best time to go?+
Mornings are cooler and quieter, and late afternoon gives the best light. Midday in summer can be hot and crowded with tour groups.
