The Fort was built in the 1480's by Sultan Qaitbey, on the site of Alexandria's ancient lighthouse (One of the seven wonders of the ancient World). Parts of the remains of the lighthouse can be seen in the construction of the old fort., In its place a Mosque was built, which was damaged by an earthquake in the 14th century. The entrance is through a gateway made of red Aswan granite. Located beside the mosque is a cistern that was used to store water in case of a siege. Inside the fort there are several floors of Napoleonic and British relics and a naval museum. The fort is a huge castle, approached by a long causeway along the beach that ends up between the main towers, the original entrance to the fort. The modern entrance, to the east, is not as noticeable. There are granite and marble columns built into the facade of the walls, from other temples and buildings in Alexandria
IWNTA - SIGHTSEEING - Alexandria - Citadel of Qaitbay
