Gallery
Description
Property Name: Citadel of Qaitbay
Inventory No: 20-3-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-08-17
Country (State party): Egypt
Province: Alexandria
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 31° 12′ 49.81″ N
29° 53′ 8.02″ E
Historic Period: 15th century, 2nd half
Year of Construction: 1480
Style: Mamluk
Original Use: Fortress
Current Use: Museum
Architect: Unknown
Significance
The Qaitbay Citadel is one of the most important examples of military architecture along the Mediterranean coast. It is an important Mamluk edifice of 15th century Alexandria, situated at the entrance of the eastern harbor of Pharos Island. The construction of the castle was ordered by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, who strengthened the coastal defense buildings. Inside the citadel, he also ordered the construction of a mosque.
Selection Criteria
iv. to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
The Qaitbay Citadel was damaged in 1882 and its western façade was completely destroyed. The building was neglected for some time after this. Later, in 1904, the upper floors were restored by the Ministry of Defence of Egypt. When King Farouk wanted to convert the Citadel into a royal house in 1940-1941, it was renovated again. In 1952, the building was converted to a Maritime Museum. In 1984, an extensive restoration work was carried out by the Egyptian Antiquities Organization.
References
ed. Michell, George. Architecture of the Islamic World; Its History and Social Meaning. Thanes & Hudson, London, 1978.