Citadel of Qaitbay

قلعة قايتباي

A 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, offering spectacular Mediterranean views and insights into Ottoman-era military architecture. The fort's waterfront location and well-preserved structure make it one of Egypt's most iconic monuments.

Things to do

• Explore the Fort's Interior Chambers — Walk through the preserved garrison rooms, dungeons, and barracks to understand 15th-century Ottoman military life and architecture.
• Climb to the Ramparts — Ascend to the fort's upper walls for 360-degree views of Alexandria's harbor and the Mediterranean Sea, especially stunning at sunset.
• Visit the Naval Museum — Tour the museum inside the fort displaying artifacts, naval instruments, and exhibits detailing the fortress's role in Mediterranean defense.
• Photograph the Lighthouse Foundations — View the remnants of the ancient Pharos lighthouse incorporated into the fort's eastern tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Watch the Harbor Activity — Observe the waterfront from the fort's vantage points where fishing boats, ferries, and cargo vessels pass through Alexandria's busy port.
• Attend Evening Sound and Light Show — Experience the fort's history dramatized through projected narratives and lighting effects on the fortress walls during evening performances.

Food to try

• Grilled Sea Bream (Denees Meshwi) — Fresh Mediterranean fish caught locally, seasoned simply with lemon and herbs, grilled over charcoal at waterfront restaurants near the fort.
• Calamari Saute (Kalamar) — Tender squid quickly sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley, a specialty of Alexandria's fishing harbor cuisine.
• Koshari — Egypt's beloved street food combining rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions, sold at nearby vendors.
• Shrimp Saganaki — Fresh Mediterranean shrimp fried with cheese and tomato sauce, a classic Alexandrian seafood dish reflecting the city's maritime heritage.
• Fresh Fruit Juice (Aseer) — Freshly squeezed orange, mango, or guava juice from street stalls around the fort, incredibly refreshing during warm Mediterranean afternoons.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly — Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees, particularly important when entering the fort's interior spaces where religious and cultural significance remains.
• Visit Early Morning or Late Afternoon — Avoid midday crowds and intense Mediterranean heat by exploring the fort during cooler hours when views are clearest and you can enjoy the ramparts comfortably.
• Hire a Local Guide — English-speaking guides at the entrance provide invaluable context about Ottoman military strategy, the ancient lighthouse, and Alexandria's strategic importance in regional history.
• Respect Photography Restrictions — Ask permission before photographing inside certain chambers or military installations, and be mindful that some areas may prohibit flash photography.