Montazah Palace in Alexandria

Montazah Palace History

At the beginning of the 20th century a great complex was built by Khedive Abbas II. He was able to create the Montazah Palace in the middle of beautiful gardens and overlooks charming beaches. The artistic complex was built with the mix of Turkish and Florentine architecture, especially the central tower as it was inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

After the era of king Abbas II, the other members of the royal family took care of the Montazah complex till the last era of king Farouk. Then the Montazah complex became a property for the Egyptian government after the 1952 revolution and everyone became able to visit the Montazah. In this era, the Salamlek Palace became a public Museum and part of it became a place to host the president’s visitors.

The gardens of the Montazah are around 3,000 meters full of different and beautiful trees and tropical plants plus some rare types of palms. This will make you feel that you’re walking in heaven.

What’s inside the Montazah complex

Inside the Montazah complex there are two Royal palaces, one of them was built in the 19th century and the other at the beginning of the 20th century, this plus a beautiful Royal Gardens. You can find this complex located east of Alexandria city.

Salamlek Palace

Salamlek Palace was originally built in the 19th Century by king Mohammad Ali to be the main hunting lodge for the king. Then along the history this palace started to serve as a presidential residence and used in many royal occasions.

Now the Salamlek Palace has started to be used as a luxury hotel and everyone visiting Egypt will be lucky to stay in this hotel. They also did some modifications to the palace and added an extra hotel beside it.

Al-Haramlik Palace And Royal Gardens

On the same ground, the Al-Haramlik Palace was built in the King Fuad era during the 20th century. He built this palace originally to be a seaside summer palace which has now become the Montaza Royal Gardens. You can recognize Al-Haramlik Palace from its unique two towers as one is taller than the other.

This Royal Palace was built in a very unique architectural design that has the mix of Turkish and Florentine styles. This amazing building now became a casino and also as royal museum where you can enjoy discovering some art works and pisces represent the history of Muhammad Ali Dynasty.

The history of Helnan Palestine Hotel

The Helnan Palestine Hotel is one of the hotels built inside the Montazah royal palaces. This hotel became property for the Egyptian government after the 1952 revolution. You can find this amazing hotel just in front of the modern lighthouse of Al Montazah

The Egyptian president at that time, Gamal Abdel Nasser, asked to build this hotel in order to host the first Arab Summit which was a huge event that hosted all the Arab presidents and kings. The along years, the hotel became a royal residence for all the kings, queens, presidents, and every public figure visiting Egypt at that time. Also the Helnan Palestine Hotel was one of the main hosts for the important fingers during the grand opening event of the new Library of Alexandria.

Can you imagine you’re standing at the same ground that Jack Chiraq the French president, Sofia the Queen of Spain, and Queen Rania of Jordan stood here one day. The Royalty is surrounding you everywhere in Egypt.

How Helnan Palestine Hotel looks like from inside

This royal hotel consists of 233 rooms and the most interesting thing is that the whole rooms have sea or Garden views. Also if you prefer the suites, Helnan hotel has 20 normal suites and 2 Royal ones. This plus a private villa for family and groups that is located on the sixth floor of the hotel contains 6 rooms with a private kitchen and huge reception hall.

This hotel is full of surprises, it’s also famous for having the best food restaurants, for example the ‘Estacoza Restaurant’ which is located on the sea with delicious fresh seafood dishes and charming views. Alexandrina Restaurant is also a very important place at the hotel where you can eat various international dishes or to enjoy an open buffet dinner all the week. Don’t miss to try the Asian and Italian restaurants for a great experience and after this you can pass by the Zodiac Restaurant where you will enjoy your dessert with fresh or hot drinks.

The Montazah Gardens

El Montazah is famous for having beautiful gardens that will make you feel like you’re in heaven. These gardens are about 3000 meters wide and full of a variety of trees, plants, and some rare species. Some of the tropical plants were planted more than 75 years ago and still in a very good shape. The garden collection contains special plants like Zamia, huge boots, Catania, Carlota, and special types of palm trees. We can’t also forget the huge plants like Hokiry, Victoria, Anthurium, Ropilia, and Araliaceae.

The Montazah Palace and Royal Gardens together make the Montazah complex as a whole covers around 150 acres which also reaches the near beach of the complex. They take care of these gardens very well to keep this beauty alive for a long time for you all to enjoy it.

An advantage of having the Montazah complex very close to the sea is that it comes with a pleasantly cool breeze blowing from the Mediterranean Sea and also makes it easy for everyone in the Montazah to go swim.

If you are searching for a place to enjoy some relaxing time, definitely The Montazah Palace and Royal Gardens is the perfect destination for you. You will find there all the means of relaxing and calmness infused with a royal feeling. Don’t miss enjoying an experience full of charming green landscapes and refreshing sea water where you can relax or have fun at the same time.

Make sure to book your ticket for The Montazah Palace and Royal Gardens of Alexandria, Egypt.