Alexandria Lighthouse, Alexandria

The Alexandria Lighthouse, also known as the Pharos, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and one of the most advanced maritime structures of antiquity. Built in the 3rd century BC under the Ptolemies, it rose in three tiers and may have reached 100 to 130 metres, with a statue crowning its summit.

The lighthouse was both a navigational tool and a statement of power. Its fire helped guide ships at night, while polished metal mirrors are believed to have reflected sunlight during the day. Its huge base reportedly held ramps, storage, and work rooms, while the name Pharos became the root for “lighthouse” in several European languages.

Although the tower collapsed after centuries of earthquake damage, its legacy remains visible through the Qaitbay Citadel, which was later built using some stones from the ancient structure. Underwater surveys have found large blocks, column pieces, and statue fragments, while the seascape and fortress walls still evoke the ancient beacon’s role.