The Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay

Established by Sultan Al Ashraf Safy al-Adin Qaitbay in 1477 AD or 882 AH, the Qaitbay Citadel or Fort of Qaitbay is a 15th century defensive fortress located on the Western tip of Alexandria’s Mediterranean front. Under the supervision of a prominent architect then, Qagmas AL-Eshaqy – the Edifices Mason, the main tower of Citadel was erected exactly on the site of the once Seven Ancient Wonders of the World – the Pharos lighthouse of Alexandria. It was said that the Pharos octagon foundation was damaged by strong earthquake in the 11th century and destructively destroyed by the 14th century earthquake.
28 October 2009 marked exactly 3 years we have set our feet in Egypt, but it was my first time exploring the inner part of the Citadel, despite many times visited the surrounding enjoying the Mediterranean breeze and watching the blue wave crushing the exterior wall.
With 25 LE (for foreigner), one would spend and take their ample time exploring the Fort amenities while enjoying the fascinating shoreline of the charming Alexandria and the superb scenery of the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean breeze though is refreshing but caused the erosion of the outer wall of the Citadel. The eroded however, is home for the pipits that spent sometime in autumn during their migration to the south passing through Egypt airspace.

The main square tower is ‘guarded’ by the inner and outer walls that provide reinforcement structure to the whole Fort. The outer wall has many chambers and serves as a passage to the beach, perhaps an escape route. The main four-storey tower has at least 12 small rooms or chambers with small rectangular windows on each floor, probably used for monitoring any intruders from the sea front.

The original structures that were mainly made of sandstone and some of the wooden beam or bracing are still well preserved. Exploring the tower from one floor to another, chamber to another chambers, makes you feel like one of the Mamelukians wearing heavy clothing and armor guarding the Fort in the 17th century.

During the Ottoman period, most of the Mameluk period and the Modern period, the Citadel continued to function as defensive edifices against the Turks, French and others. It was kept out of spotlight and remained neglected after the British bombardment on 11 July 1882. But, not until 1904 when the Ministry of Defense restored the Upper floor. After 1952 revolution, the Egyptian Naval troops transformed it to a Maritime Museum. Since then, the Egyptian Supreme Counsel of Antiquities restored it several times and the major one was in 1984.

It has proper ventilation system, which looks like tower or chimney as well as water reservoir at the basement of the main tower.
The whole premises are well maintained, preserved, and cleaned. Unfortunately, it is not that tourist-friendly due to lack of information, signage, or notice boards guiding the visitors on the story of each spots inside the Citadel.