Whatsapp Me
  • Local Time: 08:33 AM
  • Weather: 14 ℃ / 58 ℉
Login

Qaitbay Citadel

Qaitbay Citadel - Egypt Tours Portal

The History of Qaitbay Citadel

One of the Mediterranean Sea coasts' strongest defensive fortresses is the "Qaitbay Citadel", located in the immortal city of Alexandria on the eastern side of the northern tip of Pharos island and extends out into Alexandria's harbor from the corniche. It was constructed in 1477 AD by an order from Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-din Qa'it bay to defend the country from the dangerous advances of the Ottoman Empire. It was designed by a mameluke architect named Qagmas Al-Eshaqy and built-in two years. It holds a unique position not only because of playing an important role in the fortification system of the city during the 15th century Ad but also because it was constructed on the exact location of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world "The Lighthouse of Alexandria" which was destroyed by a series by earthquakes in the 11th and 14th century AD.

The Historical Role of Qaitbay

The Quitbay citadel continued to play a vital role during the Ottoman Empire as it was used as a powerful fortress to store and ship weapons in 1517 AD till the next three centuries. During the French campaign in 1798, the citadel caught the eye of Napoleon Bonaparte so he seized it with the entire country. At the beginning of the 19th century, Muhammad Ali worked in renovating the walls of the citadel after it was heavily destroyed by the British naval bombardment and provided the stronghold with modern weapons which made the reign of Muhammed Ali the golden era of the citadel.

The Architecture and Interior of Qaitbay Citadel

The Qaitbay Citadel was built using the stones salvaged from the huge lighthouse on an area of a square-shaped land that looks very much like a peninsula as it is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea from three sides. It has three floors in the first floor there is a big mosque and the second is an octagon containing corridors, halls, and a breathing interior while the third and final floor is a large circular room holding the seat of the king.

The Most Famous Users of the Castle

Qaitbay citadel is the most important fort in Alexandria, so the rulers of Egypt cared about it throughout the ages.

-In the Mamluk Period, Qansoh Al-Ghuri Increased the strength of its protector and shipped with arms and gear.

-When Ottomans opened Egypt in 1517 they used this Citedal as a fort to protect them for three centuries.

-Then the French campaign was able to seize it in 1798 Napoleon Bonaparte came with 50,000 soldiers to seize Alexandria and seized the castle.

-In the 19th century, Muhammad Ali worked for fortifying Egypt so he renewed the walls of the castle while he was ruling Egypt. Because the walls were completely damaged by the British Naval bombardment.

The castle is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Egypt, also Egypt has a great civilization and history to discover, so Egypt Tours Portal offer you the chance to enjoy one of our breathtaking Egypt vacation packages to discover the best tourist attraction in the land of pharaohs mixed by Nile river cruise.

4 Days Cairo Tour Packages - Egypt Tours Portal From: US$430
Availability: Everyday

4 Days Cairo Tour Packages

Private 4 Days Cairo Tour Packages for American Travelers 4 days Cairo Egypt Tour pa...

Tour Location: Cairo – Giza...

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Tour Type

Classic Tour

5 Days Cairo & Alexandria Tour Package From: US$550
Availability: Everyday

5 Days Cairo and Alexandria Tour Package

5 Days Cairo and Alexandria Tour Package For American Travelers 5 days Cairo and Ale...

Tour Location: Cairo/Giza/Alexandria...

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Tour Type

Classic Tour

6 Days Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Holiday - Egypt Tours Portal From: US$1030
Availability: Everyday

6 Days Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Holiday

6 Days Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Tour Package For American Travelers 6 days Cairo, Lu...

Tour Location: Cairo/Giza/Aswan/Luxor...

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Tour Type

Classic Tour

7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Holiday - Egypt Tours Portal From: US$1020
Availability: Everyday

7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Holiday

Amazing 7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Holiday for American Travelers 7 Days Cairo & ...

Tour Location: Cairo – Giza – Hurgh...

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Tour Type

Classic Tour

Was This Article Helpful?

Leave Your Comment

Request a Call Back

Do You Face an Issue to Send a Request?

Send Your Request Directly to:

Our Clients Feedback

Eoffers valuable insights straight from the source, capturing the voices and experiences of those who matter most – our cherished clients

Image
Tour Rating:

Tour Name: 5 Days Tour of Group Witnessing Egypt’s Jewels

Experience Date: 23 December, 2024

My fiancé and I booked a private 5 day tour of Egypt with ETP starting in Cairo followed Read More

image
Ariana C

american

Image
Tour Rating:

Tour Name: Experience Egypt Cultural Sightseeing in 10 Days

Experience Date: 23 December, 2024

This was the trip of a lifetime that I was able to have with my eldest son - an absolutelyRead More

image
L Joe Smith

Image
Tour Rating:

Tour Name: Experience Egypt in 9 Days

Experience Date: 23 December, 2024

Egypt Tours Portal is an excellent company to use to arrange your visit to Egypt. They worRead More

image
Coopey

Image
Tour Rating:

Tour Name: 5 Days Cairo, Luxor & Abu Simbel Tour

Experience Date: 23 December, 2024

It was an absolutely amazing trip where we saw some of the most historical and beautiful sRead More

image
Jenna T

Image
Tour Rating:

Tour Name: 5 Days Nile River Cruise Luxor to Aswan

Experience Date: 23 December, 2024

Highly recommend this tour company!!! Our guides, Moses, Mahmoud, Magred and Mohamed were Read More

image
Gymmie

canadian

Image
Tour Rating:

Tour Name: 5 Days Cairo, Luxor & Abu Simbel Tour

Experience Date: 23 December, 2024

This review is a late, but I had to provide some feedback. My brother and I went on vacatiRead More

image
Timmy Lovett

Our Partners

  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners
  • Egypt Tours Portal Parners