Name and Location

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as Pharos of Alexandria, was one of the tallest man-made structures of its time and counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its official name is in Arabic منارة الإسكندرية (Manārat al-Iskandariyya) and locally nicknamed فنار الإスクندرية (Fanār al-Iskandariyya). The lighthouse was located off the shore at Kayetbai, As Sayalah Sharq, Al Gomrok district, Alexandria Governorate 5321431, Egypt.

2. Construction and History

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was constructed during the reigns of Ptolemy I Soter and Ptolemy II Philadelphus between approximately 280 BC and 247 BC. The architect traditionally attributed to Sostratus of Cnidus built this three-tiered tower, combining a square base, octagonal midsection, and circular lantern.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse was made from massive white limestone blocks, bonded with lead mortar; some decorative bronze plates and a large mirror (speculum) were used to project sunlight or firelight. The base of the structure is approximately 30 meters on each side, with an octagonal midsection rising 20-30 meters above the base.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse served as a landfall beacon, both a daytime landmark and a nocturnal signal to incoming ships. The lighting apparatus consisted of a fire brazier and polished metal mirrors; no standard "characteristic" is known in modern notation.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the site on land at Fort Qaitbay and nearby Alexandria Corniche for views over the submerged ruins. Underwater tours are also available, with licensed dive operators offering guided dives and semi-submersible tours to view the submerged remains (permit required from Egyptian authorities).

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The ruins lie in shallow, clear Mediterranean waters; visibility permits recreational divers to see foundation blocks, column drums, and sculptural fragments. From the Corniche, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the harbor mouth, the modern skyline, and the silhouette of Fort Qaitbay.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Ancient legend held that the architect Sostratus concealed his name on the lighthouse's base, covered over by Ptolemaic patronage inscriptions. Medieval tales spoke of its miraculous light visible for miles – some accounts compare it to a torch carried by a giant.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was not active as a navigational aid; modern charting agencies mark the submerged wreck site as "Lighthouse (ruin)". No AIS or radar installations exist, and shipping now depends on modern harbor buoys and light beacons on Fort Qaitbay.

9. Further Information

Further reading and references include Strabo's Geography, Pliny the Elder's Natural History, Goddio's report by Institut Européen d'Archéologie Sous-Marine, Dodson's The Ancient Egyptian City of Alexandria, and UNESCO World Heritage Centre's Tentative Lists – Pharos of Alexandria.