It is believed that remains of the legendary lighthouse of Alexandria rest beneath the 15th-century walls of the Citadel of Qaitbay. Alexandria, Egypt.
The Layers of Pharos Island
When you stand before the towering limestone walls of the Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, you are looking at a brilliant example of 15th-century military architecture. Built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay to defend the Mediterranean coast, it remains one of the most iconic sights in Egypt. But for the traveler with a keen eye, the fortress is only the top layer of a much deeper story.
A Wonder Beneath Your Feet
The Citadel was famously constructed using the fallen stones of the Lighthouse of Alexandria (The Pharos). Once soaring over 300 feet high, the lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, as you explore the fortress, realize you are walking atop the massive granite blocks that once guided mariners through the harbor of the Hellenistic world.
The Birth of the Septuagint
For those of us traveling with a focus on Biblical history, Pharos Island holds a significance that rivals its architectural fame. Ancient tradition, beginning with the Letter of Aristeas, suggests that Ptolemy II established a quiet retreat center here. It was in this secluded environment that 72 Jewish scholars were tasked with translating the Hebrew Bible into Greek.
This monumental effort resulted in the Septuagint (LXX). This translation was not just a linguistic feat; it was the version of the Old Testament most frequently quoted by the Apostles and the early Church. To visit this island is to visit the birthplace of the bridge that brought the Word of God to the wider Greek-speaking world.
Join Us in May 2026
History like this isn’t meant to be read from a distance—it’s meant to be walked. We are thrilled to be returning to Alexandria as part of our comprehensive Biblical Egypt Tour. Dates are May 5–19, 2026. For more information, see the link here.
We will explore the Citadel, stand where the lighthouse once glowed, and reflect on the scholars who labored here to preserve the Scriptures for generations to come.