Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood on Pharos island outside the city's harbor and reached about 137 meters in height with three differently shaped levels built of white marble. The lowest level was rectangular, the middle octagonal, and the top round, crowned by a statue of Zeus Soter.

Construction began around 300 BCE under Ptolemy I and was completed by his son Ptolemy II about 20 years later. Several earthquakes over the centuries repeatedly damaged the structure until it was finally destroyed in the 14th century and its stones were used to build the Citadel of Qaitbay.

The name Pharos became the common word for lighthouse in many Mediterranean languages and continues to appear today in various forms across different cultures. The tower's three-level design later influenced the construction of minarets and other tall structures throughout the region.

Today only underwater remains can be seen near the Citadel of Qaitbay, which was built on the same site at the eastern edge of the harbor. Archaeologists have found granite fragments and statues of the Ptolemaic rulers there that were once part of the structure.

A fire burned on top at night and a mirror reflected sunlight during the day to guide ships from many kilometers away. Despite its function, over 40 shipwrecks have been found in the waters off the harbor, showing that navigation there always remained dangerous.

Location: Alexandria

Inception: 279 BCE

Architects: Sostratus of Cnidus

Architectural style: Hellenistic architecture

Height: 137 m

Part of: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

GPS coordinates: 31.21417,29.88500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 08:20