Overview:

: Qaitbay Citadel is an ancient fortification in the coastal city of Alexandria in Egypt. It was established in the 15th century by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, and is an integral part of the city's history and heritage. The citadel was used as a defensive stronghold against invasions, and its walls still stand today, giving visitors a glimpse into the city's past. In recent years, the Citadel has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique architecture and picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Qaitbay Citadel of Alexandria in Egypt is an historic fortification constructed in the late 15th century at the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse in Alexandria. Built at the behest of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, the Citadel is a spectacular example of Islamic fortifications with stout walls, battlements and towers, and a wide range of military and military-related buildings. Many of the features of the Citadel, including the palace, keep, and many of the towers, remain intact and open to the public for exploration and archaeological marvel. One of the most famous features of the Citadel is its Sanjak, a wide square along the southern wall of the Citadel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, once used for military parading and as a training ground for the Janissary corps. The Citadel also features a large double-domed mosque that was constructed to provide spiritual comfort and refuge to the Citadel’s soldiers. Other notable features of the Citadel include its hammam, a luxurious bath house, and its arsenal, a large storehouse of weaponry and supplies once used to maintain the Citadel’s military readiness. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

Qaitbay Citadel is one of the most iconic fortresses located in Alexandria, Egypt and is one of the best examples of coastal fortresses in the Muslim world. The structure was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay (1468-1496) to protect the port of Alexandria and as a strategic defensive measure reigning from the Mamluk Dynasty. Throughout the years, the citadel has been used as a military base, as well as a prison, and occassionally, to hold political/religious prisoners. When the British took over Alexandria in 1882, the Qaitbay Citadel was the seat of the British commandant until the Egyptians regained control of the city in 1952. The fortress has gone through many renovations and changes over the centuries. Until the middle of the 19th century, the Egyptian government had been restoring and reconstructing parts of the citadel as the need arose. After the British took over, some restoration work was done and some additions made, such as filling in the canal and surrounding moats. Today, the Qaitbay Citadel is a popular tourist destination and is often included in sightseeing tours of the city. The area surrounding the citadel is also home to several museums and attractions that relate to the structure’s history and heritage. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Qaitbay Citadel of Alexandria is considered to be one of the most important Islamic monuments in Egypt. 2. It was built in 1477 by the Sultan Qaitbay on the site of the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria. 3. The fort is situated on a small island in the Eastern harbour of Alexandria city. 4. It was an important defence structure for the city, designed to protect it from enemies. 5. The fort was later used as a Naval Museum and a Mosque. 6. In 2007, the Qaitbay Citadel was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 7. The fort is made of limestone blocks and red bricks, and it is surrounded by a moat filled with seawater. 8. The Citadel is made of two distinct components, the Mosque and the fort. 9. The interior of the Mosque includes a wooden minbar (the pulpit from which the imam of the Mosque delivers sermons). 10. The fort itself contains two levels of bastions and a building that resembles the crenelation of the walls. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era