Montazah

Montazah Palace, located in الإسكندرية, Egypt, is an impressive historical complex that originally started with the Salamlek Palace. This palace was built in 1892 by Khedive Abbas II, the last ruler of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty to hold the title of Khedive over Egypt and Sudan. Initially, it served as a hunting lodge and residence for his companion, set on a low plateau overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Later, in 1932, King Fuad I added the larger El-Haramlek Palace and the extensive royal gardens, creating a summer residence with a unique architectural blend of Ottoman and Florentine styles, featuring two towers with one particularly decorated in Italian Renaissance design.

Today, the Montazah Palace complex is divided into several parts with differing uses and access. The El-Montaza Park spans about 150 acres and functions as a public landscape park and forest reserve, inviting both locals and tourists to enjoy its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. The El-Haramlek Palace has been converted into a museum, showcasing the history of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty through a collection of family artifacts and decorative art pieces. Meanwhile, the original Salamlek Palace has been transformed into a hotel facility, adding a modern dimension to the historic site.

The gardens surrounding the palace are renowned for their lushness and variety, blending Mediterranean flora with tropical plants found in the royal greenhouses established by King Fouad in 1934. The gardens include rare and evergreen tropical plants aged over 75 years, beautifully maintained and open to visitors. Visitors can admire the architectural details of the palace, such as the marble-floor courtyards, geometrical column bases, stained glass windows, and open arcades that look out onto the sea, which all contribute to the palace’s splendid aura.

Montazah Palace today represents a rich heritage site that reflects both royal luxury and Egyptian history. It offers a blend of natural beauty in its expansive gardens, architectural elegance in its palaces, and cultural insights through its museum exhibits. For those visiting الإسكندرية, it provides a serene escape by the Mediterranean along with a fascinating window into Egypt’s royal past. This combination makes Montazah Palace a must-see landmark that beautifully ties together history, nature, and art.

Montazah Palace
الإسكندرية
Egypt