The Royal Palaces

In Alexandria, Egypt, several historical royal palaces, though largely inaccessible to the public, continue to capture the imagination with their grandeur and architectural splendor. Here are some of the notable palaces:

Al-Haramlik Palace (Montaza Palace)

Built in: 1932 by King Fuad I.
Style: A fusion of Italian and Turkish architectural styles.
Historical Use: Served as a summer residence for the royal family and later as a presidential residence after the 1952 revolution.
Present Status: Closed to the public, but its expansive gardens, spanning around 60 hectares, are open for visitors.
Accessibility: Visitors can enter the gardens for a fee and view the palace from within the grounds.

Salamlek Palace

Location: Within the grounds of Al-Haramlik Palace.
Historical Use: Originally housed the guests of Khedive Abbas II.
Current Use: Transformed into a luxury hotel, offering accommodation to visitors.
Accessibility: As a hotel, it is accessible to guests and visitors.

Ras el-Tin Palace

Completion Year: 1847.
Current Use: Functions as one of the presidential residences and part of a Naval base.
Historical Significance: Former residence of King Farouk, who abdicated during the 1952 revolution.
Accessibility: Only the exterior can be viewed by the public due to security reasons and its current use.

These palaces, despite their limited accessibility, continue to be significant landmarks in Alexandria, offering glimpses into the city’s royal past and architectural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the exteriors and the surrounding areas, particularly the lush gardens of the Montaza Palace.

Created On April 22, 2020

Updated On January 26, 2024