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The Sultan Selim built the Quseir Fortress in Marsa Alam in the 16th century in order to protect trade links with India. The Ottoman Fortress in located right in the center of the town Quseir. The troops of Napolean seized the fortress in 1799 and fortified it with canons mounted high on the walls. The troops also added a new viewing platform to the fortress. The British forces later added a gateway to the fort. The fortress was of major significance during the 16th century but lost its importance after the opening of the Suez Canal in the year 1869. The old fortress has been refurbished presently and it has been restored to its past glory. Canons are once again pointed to the sea from their original gun ports. The viewing platform has also been restored with illustrations from Déscription de l'Égypte. The fortress now features a museum or a kind of visitor center that displays records of local history, archeology and culture. The museum remains open till 5.00pm and you have the entire day to explore the place. The canons, the strange statue in front of the fortress are all of immense historical value. A trip to Quiseir from Marsa Alam will take only a few hours by car and this historical city is worth exploration. The town walls are built with fossil coral blocks. The town is also filled with ancient houses that are worth a look. The rugged landscape around the fortress has its own unique beauty and charm and though there are less of amenities in the place, you will find your trip to be comfortable. Apart from this Ottoman Fortress, there is also a mosque in Quseir that attracts plenty of tourists. Though the tourists mainly spend their time at the sunny beaches and the bathe in the sea, there are plenty of things around Quseir that you can see.
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