Citadel of Qaitbay

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The Fort of Qaitbay or the Citadel of Qaitbay is situated on the eastern side of the northen tip of Pharos island at the mouth of the eastern harbour.It was erected on the exact side of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria which was seven wonders of the ancient world.It was established by Sultan Al Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay.It is one of the most defensive strongholds not only in Egypt but also along the Mediterranean sea coast.The Lighthouse is continued to function until the time of Arab then several disasters happened and the shape of the lighthouse was changed to some extent,but it still continue to function.During the 11th century an earthquake destroyed the top of the Lighthouse and the bottom was used as the watchtower.


A small mosque was built on the top.The lantern at the top of the lighthouse remains a history.Some say it contained a polished steel mirror that reflected light during day and fire at night but some say it was made of transparent glass.On the entrance the citadel looking like a huge big cubed fox fortress and it covers the whole four directions view over the sea.The lighthouse was a astonishing 125m in height.





                                
                                                     



















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