Qaitbay Citadel, Qesm Al Gomrok, Alexandria, Egypt
Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th century Islamic fortress built to protect the city from invading Crusaders. Today it is one of the most popular Alexandria tourist attractions. The Qaitbay Citadel is located on the northeast part of Pharos Island, on the exact spot that was once home to the famous lighthouse of Alexandra. The Citadel was original established by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay in 1544 as a fortress.
The original structure was further fortified towards the end of the 15th century to make it more capable of protecting the city against the Turks who at the time were threatening to invade. Many historians consider it to have been one of the most strategically important strongholds along the entire Mediterranean coastline at the time.
Epic Egypt Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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