Standing majestically on the tip of the Eastern Harbour, Fort Qaitbey is a masterpiece of Mamluk military architecture. Though it may appear as a turreted toy castle from the corniche, a closer inspection reveals an imposing structure with a rich, complex history. Built in the 1480s by Sultan Al Ashraf Abou Anasr Saif El-Din Qaitbey, Fort Qaitbey occupies the legendary site of the Pharos Lighthouse. By utilizing stones from the dilapidated ancient wonder, the Sultan ensured that Fort Qaitbey would carry the legacy of Alexandria's heritage into a new era of coastal defense.

The Architectural Legacy of Fort Qaitbey

The founder of Fort Qaitbey was a prominent Circassian Mamluk sultan who ruled for 29 years and was renowned for his love of art and architecture. Under the supervision of the architect Qagmas Al-Eshaqy, Fort Qaitbey was constructed over two years at a cost of more than one hundred thousand dinars. Within its keep lies a small mosque—the oldest in the city—and a fascinating Naval Museum. Guests booking Egypt tour packages can explore relics from Roman and Napoleonic sea battles, including astronomical instruments and wine bottles retrieved from the French ship L’Orient. Today, Fort Qaitbey remains a highlight of Alexandria Tours, offering fantastic views of the Mediterranean.

Fort Qaitbey Through Centuries of Conflict

Throughout history, Fort Qaitbey has served as a vital strategic shield for northern Egypt. During the Mamluk period, Sultan Qansuh Al-Ghouri took such great care of Fort Qaitbey that he issued a decree—inscribed in marble above the gateway—promising the death penalty for anyone attempting to steal its weapons. Following the Ottoman conquest in 1512, the fortress was maintained with infantry and artillery. However, Fort Qaitbey faced its greatest challenge in 1882 during the British bombardment, which severely damaged its northern and western facades and destroyed the mosque’s minaret. Despite these trials, the resilience of Fort Qaitbey ensured its eventual restoration and survival.

Modern Restoration and Visiting Fort Qaitbey

The modern history of Fort Qaitbey is defined by a series of meticulous renovations, beginning with Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1805, who equipped the fort with coastal guns. Following the 1952 revolution, the Egyptian naval troops transformed Fort Qaitbey into a maritime museum, and major refurbishment plans in 1984 further preserved its structural integrity. Today, travelers can witness the results of these efforts, seeing how the fort was rebuilt around the turn of the 20th century into the attraction it is now. Whether you are arriving from Cairo Tours or exploring the coast, a visit to Fort Qaitbey is essential to understanding the military history of the region.

To experience the grandeur of this legendary citadel and explore its ancient keep, book your bespoke historical journey today.

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