Fort Qaitbey.

While many monuments and historic buildings in Egypt are in various states of disrepair and at best lend themselves as crumbling wallpapers to reenact a supposedly more glorious past, the magnificent Fort Qaitbey in Alexandria defies the trend. Lovingly restored, the 15th century citadel still guards the entrance to the the city's splendid natural harbour. It's all simple, bright limestone formed by experts of the masonry profession into clean lines and countless airy rooms, many of which look out to sea. The fort sits atop the remnants of the ancient lighthouse (of wonders-of-the-world fame) and it is said that is was at least partially constructed from material once part of the lighthouse. The hefty entrance fee of LE50 is definitely worth forking out for one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Just make sure to bring a good book and picnic supplies so you can spend the better part of your afternoon here, watching ships on their way to destinations elsewhere in the Med, soaking in the fresh ocean air under a blue sky that tries hard to match the water in intensity of colour.