Citadel of Qaitbay
The Qaitbay Citadel or Qaitbay Fortress is one of the defensive castles built on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the city of Alexandria in Egypt.
Located on the eastern side of Faros Island at the front of the port of the island surrounded by water on three sides.
Built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay.
Sultan Qaitbai one of the greatest sultans of the Mamluk state, ruled Egypt for 28 years from 1468 to 1496.
Location
The building built on the ruins of the lighthouse of Alexandria. This is the only link between the two buildings.
The lighthouse of Alexandria was located at the entrance to the island of “Faros Island ” on the eastern side, which was one of the greatest buildings in its era, but it suffered many disasters and lost many parts until the fifth century Where a severe earthquake was completely destroyed and the Qaitbay castle was built on its ruins.
Description of Qaitbay Castle
It built on an area of about 18,000 meters.
the Wall average thickness of about two meters and an average height of up to 8 meters.
The wall surrounding the castle contains several observation and defense towers spread over all sides.
There also a side of the wall that contains rooms and windows for ventilation and defense.
Exploited the area between the outer fence and the castle for the establishment of soldiers and their equipment,
Floor of Castle
The castle contains is three main floors :
The first floor is a mosque, and the soldiers used corridors for the defense of the castle.
the second floor contains rooms and halls used by the people of the castle.
Finally, the third floor consists of a large hall where the Sultan’s Council uses it during his visit to the city.
The third floor contains a grain mill and a bakery to provide the soldiers’ food.
It considered one of the most important places in Alexandria.
you enjoy the sea view that surrounds the castle from three sides.
Qaitbay Castle is available for visiting every day of the week from 8:00 am to 17:00 pm.
It’s part of our Alexandria tour from Cairo, for a full day tour visiting major sights in Alexandria, Qaitbay Castle, Catacombs, and Pompey’s Pillar
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