Pharos

Standing at the edge of Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor, the Citadel of Qaitbay is one of the most iconic military fortifications in the Mediterranean. As you look at its formidable limestone walls, you are looking at a site that has…

As we approach the main entrance, take a careful look at the masonry of the outer walls. You will notice that while the bulk of the structure is made of sturdy limestone blocks, there are large pillars and slabs of red and black…

Entering the inner courtyard, the atmosphere shifts from the defensive intensity of the exterior to a more structured, civic space. In the center of the citadel stands a large, square keep which served as the living quarters and…

As we explore the ground floor of the keep, we enter a series of narrow, vaulted hallways designed for the movement of troops and the placement of archers and snipers. Notice the unique design of the windows. …

Ascending to the second floor, we reach the areas that were once the private quarters of the Sultan and his high-ranking officers. While the lower floors are utilitarian and defensive, the upper levels feature larger halls and…

Finally, we climb the stone stairs to the roof of the keep, and the full majesty of Alexandria’s coastal setting is revealed. From this vantage point, you have a three hundred and sixty degree view of the city and the sea. …

Descending from the keep, let us walk along the top of the outer sea wall. This is a massive structure that acts as a breakwater, protecting the citadel and the harbor from the relentless pounding of the winter storms. …

As we leave the Citadel of Qaitbay, I invite you to take one last look at its towering walls against the backdrop of the sea. This place is more than just a fort; it is a symbol of Alexandria’s enduring importance as a gateway…