The Lighthouse of Alexandria: History and What to See at the Site

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was once one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. When it was built between about 300 and 280 BC, it was the second tallest building in the world! It kept the record for the second tallest building in the world until the year 1311!

It was a tourist highlight of the ancient world from almost the day it was built. People traveled to Alexandria just to see it. It once stood about 110 meters (350 feet). At the time, the only taller structure in the world was the Great Pyramid of Giza.

It stood until several earthquakes struck it. There was a big one in 1303. Then a local sultan used the spot to build a fortress. Some of the lighthouse's ruins still remain under the sea. Some people come to the see the site where it once stood.

For more information about the things to do in Alexandria, see How to Plan a Trip to Alexandria

History of the Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria

After Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 331 BC, he started to build the city of Alexandria. Then the Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt from 323 BC to 30 BC. They built a lot of huge complexes and structures all over Egypt including the Temple of Edfu and the Temple of Dendera. They built the Lighthouse of Alexandria on the island of Pharos in the harbor of Alexandria from 300 to 280 BC. At that time, it was a detached little island that guarded the harbor. It is thought that the building reached a height of about 110 meters (350 feet).

It is thought that there was a continuously burning flame on the top that provided a beacon light by night and a cloud of smoke during the day to find the location. There were also mirrors that reflected the light of the flame and the light of the sun.

For the time, it was amazingly tall. Philo of Byzantium included the lighthouse in the first list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in 225 BC. At that time, only the Great Pyramid of Giza was taller. The pyramid was already 2,300 years old when he wrote his list.

From coins on which the lighthouse was depicted, we know that the structure had three tiers. It had a square base, an octagonal middle level, and a cylindrical top level. It is thought that a 16-foot statue stood on top. It is thought that the cost of the building was 800 talents of silver. This is 23,000 kilograms of silver or 25 tons. It is thought that the Acropolis in Athens by contrast cost just 469 talents of silver to build.

It is not clear when the lighthouse was destroyed. It was destroyed sometime after the year 1300. It kept the record for the second tallest building in the world until the year 1311 when the 160-meter (525-foot) tall Lincoln Cathedral was built in England.

There were earthquakes in 1303 and 1323. The one in 1303 measured magnitude 8, damaged the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and swept ships inland for 3 km (2 miles).

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What to See at the Site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria

Citadel of Qaitbay was built on the base of the lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt

Basically, the spot where the lighthouse once stood is the thing to see. The main structure is the Citadel of Qiatbay.

Recommended visiting duration: only a few minutes

When to visit Lighthouse of Alexandria: In the summer, Alexandria is much cooler than the desert areas of Egypt because of the Mediterranean Sea. Summer and Autumn are the best seasons to visit due to a combination of better climate conditions, lower rainfall, and less tourist crowds. Then, you would be able to better enjoy the amazing beauty of the sea and do water and beach activities.

Both summer and fall weather is temperate, and the temperature stays about the same. The average temperature during autumn varies from 23℃ (74°F) at night to 31℃ (88°F) during the day. The average temperature in the summer varies from 30 °C (86°F) during the day to 26°C (79°F) at night.

You should avoid traveling to Alexandria during December since it is the wettest month of the year, and more tourists come in during the Christmas and New Year season, making prices go up. The busiest month for travel is May. March and February are also busy tourism months.

Clothing: Thin shirts or dresses, and a hat will keep you cool and block the UV radiation in the summer. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the pier and promontory area of the Lighthouse of Alexandria

Where to stay: The Lighthouse of Alexandria is near the Corniche, which is a long boulevard that stretches along the sea to the north of Alexandria. Staying along the Corniche puts you where you can find tourist spots and seafood restaurants within walking distance.

Recommended Luxury hotel: You can get a sea view at Hilton Alexandria Corniche. Prices are about $91 USD per night for a double room.

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How to Go to the Lighthouse of Alexandria

A view of Alexandria Harbor

The Lighthouse of Alexandria can be reached by public transportation and taxis. It is about 14 minutes from the Alexandria Train Station by driving. Getting to Alexandria is not very convenient from Cairo.

From Cairo Station by train: Cairo Train Station (a.k.a. Ramses Station or Misr Station) can be reached by taking Cairo Metro lines 1 or 2 to Martyrs Metro Station (Al Shohadaa Station) on Ramses Square. From Cairo Airport (CAI), you can take a taxi to Cairo Train Station in 19 minutes (about 2 or 3 USD). The train takes about four hours to go from Martyrs Train Station in Cairo to Alexandria (5 USD). From there, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes (about 2 USD).

From Cairo Airport to Alexandria Airport: It takes about 50 minutes to fly, and the cost ranges from 100 to 300 USD.

There are direct flights from some Arab cities such as Dubai and from Europe such as Paris–Orly, and Milan (on Wizz Air). There are no regular passenger ships from Europe.

From Cairo International Airport Overland: You could also land in Cairo International Airport (CAI) and travel there by vehicle or train. It takes about 2½ hours by vehicle. A taxi ride might cost about 20 to 28 USD.

A private vehicle for transportation (which we can provide) is the best way to travel quickly, safely, and conveniently from spot to spot in Egypt. Contact us for the details and cost.

Once you are at the lighthouse area, walking is easy, and it is the best way to experience the place.

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Touring Egypt with Global Highlights

For anyone wanting to see the Lighthouse of Alexandria and learn more about it, going with an experienced guide makes for a better and more convenient experience. He or she can guide you there, and you might also want to go to the nearby Alexandria National Museum to learn more about the lighthouse there. They can also help with shopping, eating, seeing Alexandria, and steering clear of criminals/cons.

Contact us to design your perfect trip to Egypt. Your 1:1 traveler advisor will assist in selecting destinations, activities, and accommodations that suit your interests.