The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was a towering structure built in the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt, in the 3rd century BC. It was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and served as a lighthouse, guiding ships safely into the harbor. The exact design and height of the lighthouse are not known, but estimates suggest it was over 100 meters tall. The lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes and eventually lost to history.

THINGS TO DO AT LIGHTHOUSE OF ALEXANDRIA:

Visit the Pharos Lighthouse Museum to learn about the history of the ancient lighthouse:

The Pharos Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and significance of the ancient Pharos lighthouse located in Alexandria, Egypt. The museum showcases artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that tell the story of the lighthouse, its construction and operation, and its place in history as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors to the museum can learn about the history of lighthouse technology and navigation, as well as the cultural and economic significance of the Pharos lighthouse for the ancient city of Alexandria.

Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and the sea: From the top of the lighthouse, one could see the magnificent city of Alexandria spread out before them, with its bustling port, thriving marketplaces, and impressive buildings. The view would have included the wide Mediterranean Sea, dotted with ships coming and going from the dock. In the distance, one could see the lush green hills of the Nile Delta and the deep blue of the open sea. It would have been a breathtaking and awe-inspiring view, showcasing the grandeur and power of the ancient city.

Explore the surrounding Fort Qaitbey, a 15th-century fortification built on the lighthouse’s ruins: One can see the modern city of Alexandria with its tall buildings, the greenery of the Eastern Harbor, and the distant hills of the Western Desert. The view from the fort offers a unique blend of history and modernity, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the city and its ongoing evolution.