The lighthouse was apparently a tourist attraction from the very beginning. We are told that food was sold to visitors at the observation platform at the top of the first level. A smaller balcony provided a view from the top of the eight-sided tower for those that wanted to make the additional climb. The view from there must have been impressive as it was probably 300 feet above the sea. There were few places in the ancient world where a person could ascend a man-made tower to get such a perspective.
The lighthouse was approached first through the Heptastadion at the entrance to Alexandria's harbor. The Heptastadion was a solid granite wall that extended the length of seven stadiums and connected the city with Pharos Island.
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