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Citadel of Qaitbay

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Historical site
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Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)

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The Citadel of Qaitbay is a majestic 15th-century defensive fortress situated on the eastern tip of Pharos Island in Alexandria. Established in 1477 AD by the Mamluk Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbay, it was designed to protect the city from the expanding Ottoman Empire's naval threats. The most significant historical aspect of the citadel is that it occupies the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 14th century. Remarkably, Sultan Qaitbay utilized the fallen stones and granite columns of the ancient lighthouse to construct the fortress walls, physically embedding antiquity into the medieval structure. The fortress features massive stone walls, circular watchtowers, and interior chambers that now serve as a maritime museum. With its strategic position overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the citadel remains a powerful symbol of Alexandria’s resilience and a testament to the architectural transition from the Hellenistic era to the Islamic Middle Ages.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141517192326282827242016
Rain mm23169141110071320

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Citadel of Qaitbay is open to visitors for an admission fee. You can explore both the interior and exterior of the fortress, enjoying striking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Typical hours
The citadel is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, often until 6:00 PM in summer. Last entry is one hour before closing; Friday may have closures during prayer times.
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Photography
Photography is permitted throughout the site, including tripods for panoramic shots. Flash is banned inside the rooms and museum to protect the historical exhibits.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a thorough tour of the citadel and the Naval Museum. If you also explore the surrounding gardens, budget 2 hours.
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Combine with
The citadel is located on the Mediterranean coast, just a short walk from the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The Montazah Palace and Alexandria's beaches are also nearby.
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Getting there
The citadel is easily reachable by taxi from central Alexandria; the ride takes about 15 minutes. You can also take tram line 1 or 2 to the Qaitbay stop and walk 5 minutes.
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Insider tip
Visit the citadel early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the Mediterranean before the crowds arrive. The entrance fee is modest, but bring small change for the museum.

Geography

Coordinates
31.21390, 29.88560

Facts

  • The citadel was constructed between 1477 and 1479 AD.
  • It was built using masonry salvaged from the ruined Pharos Lighthouse.
  • Sultan Qaitbay allocated 192,000 gold dinars for its construction.
  • The fortress was heavily damaged during the British bombardment of 1882.
  • A major restoration project was carried out in 1904 by the King Fuad I.
  • It houses Alexandria's oldest surviving mosque within its inner keep.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Saqqara NecropolisSaqqara Necropolis1 km · WExplore →
Alexandria ZooAlexandria Zoo2 km · SEExplore →
Ras El Tin PalaceRas El Tin Palace2 km · SWExplore →
Pompey's PillarPompey's Pillar4 km · SExplore →
Al HawamdeyaAl Hawamdeya5 km · NExplore →
Memphis Ancient CityMemphis Ancient City6 km · NWExplore →
Alexandria Petroleum RefineryAlexandria Petroleum Refinery6 km · SExplore →
Stanley BridgeStanley Bridge6 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Citadel of Qaitbay (4)

Lighthouse of Alexandria🏺 historical

The submerged and partially excavated archaeological ruins of the famous ancient wonder of the world built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom.

Alexandria Aquarium🎡 recreation

A marine life facility exhibiting Mediterranean fish and coral species near the Citadel of Qaitbay.

El Morsi Abou El Abbas Mosque⛪ religious

A highly decorated mosque built over the tomb of the 13th-century Andalusian Sufi saint Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi.

Abul-Abbas Beach🎡 recreation

A sandy Mediterranean beach providing coastal access near the historic Qaitbay district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What stood here previously?
The ancient Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Is it worth visiting inside?
Yes, for the sea views.
How long does a visit take?
About 45 to 60 minutes.
Is the citadel accessible?
Limited, as there are many steps.
Can you eat there?
There are cafes nearby on the Corniche.
Citadel of Qaitbay: where is it located?
Citadel of Qaitbay is located in Egypt.
Citadel of Qaitbay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lighthouse of Alexandria, Alexandria Aquarium, El Morsi Abou El Abbas Mosque.
Citadel of Qaitbay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Citadel of Qaitbay: why is it worth visiting?
The Citadel of Qaitbay is a majestic 15th-century defensive fortress situated on the eastern tip of Pharos Island in Alexandria.
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History & landmarks

Graeco-Roman Museum — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Graeco-Roman Museum
A prominent museum in Alexandria showcasing artifacts from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods of Egyptian history.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria.
Ras El Tin Palace — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Ras El Tin Palace
A historic royal palace on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, one of the official residences of the President.
Stanley Bridge — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Stanley Bridge
A 400-meter-long bridge in Alexandria spanning the Mediterranean Sea, known for its elegant design and night lighting.
Borg El Arab Stadium — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Borg El Arab Stadium
The largest stadium in Egypt and one of the largest in Africa, located near the Mediterranean resort city of Alexandria.
Montaza Palace — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Montaza Palace
A grand palace and extensive gardens in the Montaza district of Alexandria, overlooking a beach on the Mediterranean Sea.

Nature

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Lake Mariut
A lake south of Alexandria.

More places

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Alexandria Zoo
Popular zoo on the Mediterranean coast.
Port of Alexandria — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Port of Alexandria
Egypt's main seaport on the Mediterranean Sea.
Alexandria Roman Amphitheatre — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Alexandria Roman Amphitheatre
A well-preserved ancient Roman theater located in the heart of the modern city of Alexandria.
Pompey's Pillar — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Pompey's Pillar
A Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, the largest of its type constructed outside the imperial capitals.
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Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
A historical archaeological site located in Alexandria and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
Alexandria Petroleum Refinery — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Alexandria Petroleum Refinery
One of the largest petroleum refineries in Egypt.
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El-Dakheila Port
A natural extension of the Port of Alexandria with deep water.
Al-Amiriya Petroleum Refinery — Citadel of Qaitbay (Egypt)
Al-Amiriya Petroleum Refinery
Another major refinery in the Alexandria region.