When it comes to Egypt's Port Said, most people's first thought must be the Suez Canal - this golden waterway connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, witnessing countless giant ships shuttling every day. But if you only focus on the canal, you will miss a low-key but historical treasure: Port Said Lighthouse. This red and white lighthouse is not only the first modern lighthouse in Egypt, but also one of the few lighthouses in the world built with stone. It was once known as one of the "most important lighthouses in the world". It stands quietly at the entrance of the canal, witnessing the transformation of Port Said from a barren sand to a prosperous port, and also carries the wisdom of European engineers in the 19th century. If you are tired of the regular canal sightseeing, you might as well include this lighthouse in your itinerary and explore the little-known side of Port Said.
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The Port Said Lighthouse was built in 1869, the same year that the Suez Canal was opened to navigation. It was designed by French engineer François Coignet, who used the innovative reinforced concrete technology of the time, which was an engineering miracle in the 19th century. The lighthouse is 56 meters high, and its striking red and white striped appearance makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Port Said. In the early 20th century, its light could shine 20 nautical miles away, providing critical navigation for ships traveling through the Suez Canal.
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Although it stopped operating due to war damage in the 1970s, the lighthouse itself is still well preserved and was listed as an Egyptian cultural relic in 2010. Today, although it no longer shines, it has become a living fossil of Port Said's history. Standing under the tower, you can seem to hear the whistle of a steamship more than a century ago.
The Port Said Lighthouse is located on the breakwater at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, close to the city center, and has very convenient transportation. If you depart from Cairo, you can choose:
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Self-driving or chartering: Take the Cairo-Ismailia Highway (about 3 hours drive), and then turn to Port Said.
Bus: Take Go Bus or Super Jet from Cairo Turgoman Bus Station, and arrive in Port Said in about 4 hours, with a fare of about 80-120 Egyptian pounds.
Train: Although the train frequency is less, the train from Cairo Ramses Station can also reach Port Said (about 4.5 hours).
After arriving in Port Said, the lighthouse is at the end of the Corniche, and it can be easily reached by walking or taking a local tricycle (Tuk-Tuk).
Port Said has a mild climate, but it is hot in summer (June-August). It is recommended to visit in spring and autumn (October to April of the following year), when the temperature is suitable and the sun is not too strong. There is no shade around the lighthouse, so it is best to visit in the early morning or evening, which can not only avoid the scorching sun, but also enjoy the beautiful sunset view of the canal.
Currently, the interior of the lighthouse is not fully open to tourists for climbing, but you can still watch its appearance up close and find many interesting activities around it:
Walk on the seaside: The breakwater where the lighthouse is located is a good place for a walk. You can enjoy the giant cargo ships on the canal while feeling the Mediterranean breeze.
Take photos and check in: The red and white lighthouse is matched with the blue sky and the canal background. A casual shot is a postcard-level scenery.
Canal Museum (Suez Canal Authority Museum): Just near the lighthouse, it displays the history, construction process and important cultural relics of the Suez Canal. The ticket is only 20 Egyptian pounds.
Seafood feast: Port Said is famous for its fresh seafood. After visiting the lighthouse, you may want to go to the nearby Fish Market or Al Borg Restaurant to taste authentic grilled fish and seafood soup.
If you have enough time, there are several niche attractions in Port Said worth exploring:
Military Museum: It displays Egypt's modern military history, including relics from several Middle East wars.
Statue of Liberty replica: Yes, Port Said also has a Statue of Liberty! Although it is smaller in scale, it was a gift from France to Egypt in 1886, unveiled a few years earlier than the one in New York.
Old Town Colonial Architecture: 19th-century European-style buildings are still dotted on the streets of Port Said, and walking through them is like traveling back to the colonial era.
The Port Said Lighthouse may not be as famous as the Pyramids of Giza or the Luxor Temple, but its unique architectural style and profound historical background make it a low-key pearl on the Suez Canal. Here, you can not only avoid the crowded tourist crowds, but also truly feel the pulse of Egypt's modern history. Next time you plan a trip to Egypt, don’t just focus on the popular attractions. Set aside half a day for Port Said and let this silent lighthouse tell you a story about the ocean, trade, and human ambition. After all, isn’t the meaning of travel to discover the scenery that most people ignore?
