The Citadel of Qaitbey - Fort Qaitbey
Fort Qaitbey is located at the site of a legendary building of human history - Alexandria lighthouse. It is claimed that the remains of the lighthouse are used for the construction of the citadel, built in the late 15th century.
The Citadel of Qaitbey stands proudly in the eastern port of Alexandria - an area famous for its many archaeological finds, including parts of the palace of Cleopatra. That is why SCA had to work towards an underwater archaeological museum, which will allow visitors to touch some of this archaeological treasure.
The Citadel of Qaitbey is located on the island of Pharos, on the Mediterranean coast. It is considered one of the most important fortresses not only for Egypt but for the entire Mediterranean coast. Qaitbey is a fundamental part of the security structure of Alexandria in the 15 century.
Regarded as one of the seven wonders of the world, Lighthouse of Alexandria continued to function until the Arab invasions in the area. In several subsequent disasters, the headlamp is significantly damaged, but still works.
About 880 years during the reign of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, Alexandria lighthouse has been restored, but after a huge earthquake in the 11th century structure is substantially destroyed. In its place appears a mosque with watchtower. In 14 century, many earthquakes have caused total destruction of the temple and the remains of the lighthouse.
Fort Qaitbey appeared in 1480 during the reign of Mameluke Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, as a defensive structure against the Turkish invasion of Egypt. Inside it was built a mosque.
In the following centuries Qaitbay was a fully functional defensive fort, but after the British bombardment of the city of Alexandria in 1882, it was abandoned and remained so until the 20 th century. Then it was restored several times by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Today visitors still Qaitbey remain amazed at the sight of the fence wall of the fort. Eastern wall of the fortress has no protective tower but the wall of the western part includes three security towers. In the middle of the south wall, it has a gate that leads to the main entrance of the fortress.
North wall overlooking the sea and has square-shaped windows. On top there was a terrace for shooters. In front of the main tower, Qaitbey has a large garden.
The very central tower is a square in shape structure situated in the northeastern part of the fortress. 17 meters tall, and each of the sides is 30 meters wide. The ground floor houses the mosque which is considered the oldest in Alexandria. The last major restoration of Fort Qaitbey was in 1845. Currently it houses the Naval Museum.
