Lighthouse of Alexandria — Attraction in Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, stood as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was a monumental achievement of Hellenistic engineering. Commissioned by Ptolemy I Soter around 300 BCE and completed by his son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the lighthouse was erected on the small island of Pharos at the entrance to Alexandria's bustling harbor in Egypt. Its primary purpose was to safely guide the thousands of merchant ships into the crucial trading port on the low-lying coast. Attributed to the architect Sostratus of Cnidus, the structure was one of the tallest man-made buildings in the world for centuries, second only to the Great Pyramid of Giza, with height estimates ranging from over 100 to 140 meters (330 to 460 feet).

The magnificent tower was constructed of large, light-colored stone blocks in three distinct, tapering tiers: a square base, an octagonal middle section, and a cylindrical top. Inside, a broad spiral ramp allowed transport of fuel to the summit, where a wood-fed furnace provided the beacon of light at night. Ancient accounts also suggest a large, highly polished bronze mirror was used to reflect the flame's light or the sun's rays during the day, extending the visibility of the navigational aid for many miles out to sea. This technological triumph became the archetype for all lighthouses that followed, with the word "Pharos" still being the root for "lighthouse" in several languages. The impressive structure endured for over 1,500 years, making it one of the longest-surviving ancient wonders, but it was progressively destabilized and finally collapsed after a series of powerful earthquakes between 956 and 1303 CE. Its remaining stone ruins were eventually scavenged in the 15th century to build a fort on the same location, but underwater archaeological surveys in the 1990s have since uncovered colossal blocks and statues, offering new insights into the design and scale of this lost...

A truly awe-inspiring historical gem! Visiting the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria fills you with wonder, even though the original structure is no longer standing. The rich history and significance of this ancient Wonder of the World are beautifully highlighted through informative displays and nearby landmarks. Standing there, you can almost envision the grandeur of what once guided sailors with its legendary beacon. The surrounding area offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and a chance to explore Alexandria’s vibrant past. A must-visit for history buffs and anyone passionate about humanity’s incredible architectural achievements. Highly recommend pairing this with a trip to the nearby Citadel of Qaitbay for a full immersion into the region’s...

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built by the Ptolemaic dynasty on the island of Pharos around 284–246 BC to guide ships into the busy harbor of Alexandria. Commissioned by Ptolemy I and completed by his son Ptolemy II, this massive structure stood for over 1,000 years before a series of earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries caused its final collapse. Its ruins were rediscovered in the 1990s, and some stones were used in the 15th century to build the...