Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria is not only a historic monument but also an excellent ferry into Egypt’s medieval history, as it stands dramatically on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. If you are traversing the northern coast as part of your Egypt tour, this may just be the iconic fortress where you go soaking in history, architecture, and some brilliant vistas.
History of the Citadel of Qaitbay
The Citadel of Qaitbay was built in 1477 AD (year 882 AH pursuant to the Islamic Calendar) during the reign of the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay, who was particularly interested in architecture and the building of military fortifications. The site for the newly built citadel was not a random choice for it sat right upon the ruins of the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which had been severely damaged by a series of earthquakes.
Sultan Qaitbay, after seeing the ruins of the lighthouse, decided to use the stones left from it to construct a new fortress in order to safeguard Alexandria from Ottoman naval attacks and other invasions. The fort remained an important line of defense over the centuries that passed, guarding the northern shores of Egypt while serving as an important military post.
Architectural Design and Structure
The Citadel is a fine example of Mamluk military architecture. It has a square plan surrounded by high stone walls with circular defensive towers at the four corners. The main tower located in the middle level stands tall over the fort and commands the view of the sea.
Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandri
What is inside the Citadel includes:
A mosque for the soldiers and guards
Storage rooms for weapons and food
Barracks and living quarters
Several secret passageways and lookout points
The outer walls are very thick and massive, demonstrating the highly developed skills of construction employed at the time and stressing the importance placed on protecting the city from invasion.
Beyond mere military importance, the Citadel of Qaitbay is a symbol in the culture. Some empires have passed through its walls, including the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and finally, the British occupation of Egypt. As time passed, the fortress into ruins, but there have been several restorations, mostly in the 20th century, under the auspices of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Today, it stands as a monument to history and to the spirit of resilience and importance that Alexandria has exhibited throughout the ages.
What to see and do in the Citadel of Qaitbay?
The visit to the Citadel of Qaitbay offers a highly enriched and immersive experience, and here is what you will be doing:
Exploring the Fortress: Wander through its corridors and traverse towers that grant spectacular views of the sea and the Corniche.
Visit the Maritime Museum: Some parts of the citadel host a small museum that exhibits naval objects, including old weapons and maps.
Photography: The exterior of the citadel together with its scenic location by the sea makes it a perfect spot for photography, especially during sunset.
Chill by the Sea: Outside the citadel, sample some delicious fresh seafood in local restaurants, or take a boat ride along the harbor.
How To Get to Citadel of Qaitbay?
The Citadel is located at the end of the Corniche Road in Alexandria; getting there by taxi or public transportation is a breeze. It is close to some other landmarks like the Bibliothica Alexandrina and the Montaza Palace, making it a must on any tour of the city.
The Citadel of Qaitbay isn’t a mere monument itself; rather, it is traversing centuries of Egyptian resilience, architectural brilliance, and strategic savvy. Whether a first-time visitor to Alexandria or one familiar with its myriad delights, standing within the walls of this majestic fortress provides a glimpse into the still-living history that seems to dwell there.
Next time you cross through the Mediterranean coast, make sure you take some time to visit this eternal guardian of the sea. You won’t just be seeing history – you’ll be living it.
