Qaitbay Citadel, situated in the Anfushi district of Alexandria, is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks. Its thick stone walls, defensive towers, and coastal location make it an interesting place for individuals who want to explore the history of Egypt. The more important fact about this site is its location; it was built at the site of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, i.e., the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
A visit to the Citadel is particularly worthwhile for travelers who are interested in ancient history, medieval architecture, and beautiful sea views.
In this guide, we will explain its history while answering some of the common questions: What is special about the Citadel of Qaitbay, what is inside the Citadel of Qaitbay, when was it built, and what are its entrance fees?
Table of Contents:
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Qaitbay Citadel At a Glance
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Where Is the Qaitbay Citadel Located?
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When Was the Citadel of Qaitbay Built?
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What Is So Special About the Qaitbay Citadel?
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What Can You See Inside the Qaitbay Citadel?
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What Is the Entrance Fee for Foreigners to the Citadel of Qaitbay?
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What Are the Opening Hours of Qaitbay Citadel?
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How Long Does It Take to Get Around the Citadel?
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What Is the Best Time to Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay?
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How to Include Qaitbay Citadel in Your Egypt Tour?
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FAQs
Qaitbay Citadel At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Qaitbay Citadel (Citadel of Qaitbay) |
| Location | Anfushi, Alexandria, Egypt |
| Built in | 1477-1479 AD |
| Built by | Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay |
| Historical period | Mamluk Period |
| Original purpose | Coastal defense and protection of Alexandria |
| Historical significance | Built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria |
| Main attractions | Main tower, central courtyard, mosque, and defensive walls |
| Recommended visit duration | 1-2 hours |
| Best time to visit | October to April |
Where Is the Qaitbay Citadel Located?
It is located in the Anfushi district of Alexandria, Egypt; it is right at the entrance of Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor. The Qaitbay Citadel is situated on the eastern part of the famous Pharos Island, and it is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides.
The geographical position of the Qaitbay Citadel, which is near other popular tourist destinations in Alexandria, makes it easy to include in a sightseeing trip around the city. The strategic position of the citadel made it possible for the soldiers to monitor any ship approaching the Alexandria harbor.
When Was the Citadel of Qaitbay Built?
The Citadel of Qaitbay dates back to the late 15th century. It was built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qaitbay between 1477 and 1479 AD on the site of the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria.
The lighthouse had suffered extensive damage from earthquakes over the years, and the citadel was constructed as part of the city’s coastal defenses. The fortress has undergone several changes and restoration projects over the years and is still a significant part of Alexandria’s history today. It’s a great place to get a real sense of the city’s military history and of Mamluk architecture.
What Is So Special About the Qaitbay Citadel?
The Qaitbay Citadel is more than just an old fortress. Its connection to the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria gives it a very special place in the history of the city. Here are a few of the things you can look forward to when you visit:
Built on the site of an ancient wonder: The Citadel stands where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. The lighthouse had been damaged by earthquakes, and between 1477 and 1479 AD, Sultan Qaitbay built the fortress on the same site, reusing some of the stone from the ruined lighthouse.
Impressive Mamluk architecture: As you walk through the fortress, you will see the thick limestone walls, the defensive towers, and the narrow passages. All of these features reflect the way the citadel was designed to protect Alexandria from attack.
Beautiful Mediterranean views: From the fortress, you have magnificent views over the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern harbor of Alexandria. It’s also a popular spot for photographs, particularly for visitors who want to capture coastal views during the journey.
A glimpse into Egypt’s military history: The layout of the fortress and the way it was arranged for defense give you a very real sense of the military history of Alexandria during the Mamluk period.
What Can You See Inside the Qaitbay Citadel?
Inside the Qaitbay Citadel, there are a number of architectural and historical features that give you a real insight into Egypt’s history.
Main Tower: The main tower has three floors with defensive towers at each of its corners. It was designed to give the soldiers a clear view of the harbor, allowing them to watch approaching ships and defend the city.
Central courtyard: The courtyard is surrounded by inner defensive walls and rooms, which were used as barracks and storage. It gives you an idea of the overall design of the fortress.
Historic mosque: A mosque is located within the main tower. This is a good example of how religious and architectural features were incorporated into military buildings during the Mamluk period.
Water cistern: The citadel also had a water tank that supplied soldiers and their horses. It was an important part of the fortress, especially during periods when the soldiers needed to remain inside for extended periods.
What Is the Entrance Fee for Foreigners to the Citadel of Qaitbay?
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ official ticket portal, the entrance fee for foreigners to the Citadel of Qaitbay is EGP 200 (for adults) and EGP 100 (for students).
| Visitor Category | Entrance Fee |
| Foreign adult | EGP 200 |
| Foreign student | EGP 100 |
| Egyptian adult | EGP 60 |
| Egyptian student | EGP 30 |
Foreign students planning to visit the Citadel of Qaitbay should carry their student identification to confirm eligibility for the discounted tickets. Moreover, the ticket prices can vary, so it is recommended to check the latest prices before traveling.
What Are the Opening Hours of Qaitbay Citadel?
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities lists the Qaitbay Citadel opening hours as 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. But different official portals provide different last entry times depending on the season.
| Season | Last Entry Timing |
| Summer | 7:00 PM |
| Winter | 5:00 PM |
| Ramadan | 3:00 PM |
Note: Seasonal arrangements can change the schedule, so it is recommended to check the current timing before traveling to the site.
How Long Does It Take to Get Around the Citadel?
Many people consider 1 to 2 hours to be quite sufficient for exploring the main tower, the courtyard, the defensive walls, and the various viewpoints around the Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria, Egypt.
The time you will spend will vary according to your interest. If you’re a photography enthusiast or a history lover, you may want to spend more time at the site.
What Is the Best Time to Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay?
The months from October to April are generally regarded as the best time to explore the ancient outdoor sites in Egypt, including the Qaitbay Citadel. It’s the period when the temperatures are generally most comfortable for walking around the fortress and exploring Alexandria.
Whether you are planning a visit in summer or winter, try to plan your sightseeing early in the morning. However, late afternoon visits can also be enjoyable, especially for coastal photography.
How to Include Qaitbay Citadel in Your Egypt Tour?
If you want to explore the country’s Mediterranean history, then you can add Qaitbay Citadel to your itinerary. You can simply include it in your Alexandria sightseeing and combine it with other attractions, including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Alexandria Corniche, and other historic landmarks. If you want a longer Egypt holiday, then you can also combine the visit with Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan.
If you have finalized your Egypt trip, then it is the right time to explore different Egypt tour packages offered by Nile Cruisen. As a tour operator, we take care of your Nile cruise stay and arrange sightseeing trips and excursions, so you can explore Egypt’s ancient sites without worrying about the arrangements. Whether you want to discover the pyramids of Giza, explore ancient temples, or enjoy a relaxing Nile River cruise, our team can help you plan a suitable itinerary.
FAQs
Why is Qaitbay Citadel famous?
Qaitbay Citadel is famous for being built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Moreover, it is also an important example of Mamluk military architecture and one of Alexandria’s most recognizable historical landmarks.
Can you visit the inside of Qaitbay Citadel?
Yes, you can explore the main tower, central courtyard, mosque, defensive walls, and other historical features of the Qaitbay Citadel.
Can you visit Qaitbay Citadel on a Nile cruise or Egypt tour?
Yes, it is entirely possible to include Qaitbay Citadel as part of Alexandria sightseeing during an Egypt holiday. You can ask the Nile Cruisen team about arranging a visit alongside your travel itinerary.
How do I get to Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria?
You can easily get there by arranging a taxi, private car, or local transport from different parts of Alexandria.
What is the entrance fee for foreigners to the Citadel of Qaitbay?
According to the Official Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the entrance fee for foreign adults is EGP 200, while for foreign students it is EGP 100.
This article was created by the team at Nile Cruisen, one of the best tour operators in Egypt for Nile cruises and tailor-made Egypt tours.
With years of experience sailing between Luxor and Aswan, our team knows the Nile better than anyone.
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