Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Visitor Center opens at Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria
In a significant step towards enhancing the visitor experience and elevating the quality of services at historic sites, a brand-new Visitor Center has been inaugurated inside the iconic Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria.
This initiative is part of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ ongoing efforts to provide distinguished tourism services and create memorable experiences at Egypt’s museums and archaeological sites. The project is realized in collaboration with the French Center for Alexandrian Studies.
The Visitor Center aims to shed light on the vibrant history of the archaeological zone surrounding Qaitbay Citadel. Among the historical treasures showcased are the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria—the legendary Pharos—the former Royal Quarter, and the city’s eastern harbor that was once central to ancient Alexandria’s grandeur.
The center offers key information about unique neighboring monuments, such as the Royal Harbor, the Timonium (a historic structure), Antirhodos Island, ancient quays, and ship-building docks.
The Visitor Center also explores the evolution of Alexandria’s defensive fortifications, highlighting the pivotal role of the Qaitbay Citadel as well as the coastal defenses constructed during the reign of Mohamed Ali Pasha.
Inside the new Visitor Center, guests will find nine bilingual (Arabic and English) information panels complemented by detailed maps and illustrative diagrams, designed to facilitate a better understanding of the area’s historical and architectural development. The center also features a film screening about the ancient lighthouse site and comfortable seating areas for visitor relaxation.
This new facility warmly welcomes guests from all over the world, inviting them to embark on an illuminating journey through Alexandria’s rich heritage, right at the gateway of one of the Mediterranean’s most cherished landmarks.