Citadel of Qaitbay, 15th century fortress in Alexandria, Egypt
The fortification stands on a peninsula with a square layout of 150 by 130 meters, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides.
Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay constructed this military structure between 1477 and 1479 CE on the ruins of the Alexandria Lighthouse, using some of its fallen stones.
The fortress includes a mosque, multiple chambers, and a royal reception hall where Sultan Qaitbay monitored maritime activities from his elevated position.
The citadel opens daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with separate ticket prices for international visitors and Egyptian or Arab nationals.
The defensive towers at each corner feature semicircular shapes topped with protective parapets, incorporating water cisterns for soldiers and horses.
Location: Alexandria Governorate
Inception: 882
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Website: https://egymonuments.com/ar/locations/details/CitadelofQaitbay
Website: https://egymonuments.com/ar/locations/details/CitadelofQaitbay
GPS coordinates: 31.21300,29.88520
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:21
Military buildings from different countries demonstrate the evolution of defense structures and command centers. The buildings range from medieval fortresses to modern military facilities and document significant events in military architecture.
Egypt holds numerous archaeological sites beyond the pyramids of Giza. From the bent pyramid of Dahshur to the rock temples of Speos Artemidos, these locations present Egyptian architecture through different periods. The collection includes desert fortresses, Roman quarries, prehistoric caves, and religious complexes across various regions from Alexandria to Aswan.
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