Montaza Palace
The city of Alexandria has long been one of Egypt’s most iconic coastal destinations which combines its ancient heritage with its contemporary architectural style. The Montaza Palace complex contains two exceptional royal buildings which include El Salamlek Palace and El Haramlek Palace.
Visitors can experience the luxurious lifestyle of the Muhammad Ali dynasty through these two architectural masterpieces which showcase Egypt's modern royal history.
Montaza Palace is a royal palace complex located in Egypt which occupies 370 acres of land in the Second Montaza area of Alexandria. The complex consists of two primary royal residences which include El Salamlek Palace and El Haramlek Palace. El Salamlek Palace served as Khedive Abbas Helmy II's personal retreat when he built it in 1892. King Fuad I of Egypt built El Haramlek Palace in 1925 to function as the royal family's summer holiday residence. The complex also includes several other tourist facilities and hotels.
History
Montaza Palace and its gardens were established more than a century ago. At that time Khedive Abbas Helmy II issued construction orders for the project which began in a remote and vacant territory during 1892. While walking along the beach the Khedive experienced deep admiration for the site after hearing a musical band perform at that time. The Khedive established a summer palace and gardens at that location because of its scenic beauty. The Khedive personally supervised the design and organization of the lush gardens and initially gave both the palace and gardens the single name “Salamlek Palace.” El Haramlek Palace construction started in 1925 after King Fuad I selected its Italian architectural design. Italian architect Ferucci and Egyptian engineer Hassan Pasha Adawy designed the palace building. The Montaza complex expanded its tourist services after the Egyptian Revolution by adding multiple facilities which included dining options and a complete tourist center and sports courts and chalets. Montaza Gardens provide views of five beaches which include Aida beach and Cleopatra beach and Venice beach and Semiramis beach and the Helnan Palestine Hotel private beach that features a water sports and diving center.
The Royal Era and After the 1952 Revolution The Muhammad Ali dynasty maintained control over Montaza Palace and its gardens as their primary summer residence until the reign of King Farouk I of Egypt who became the last Egyptian king. The July 23 1952 Revolution created public access to Montaza gardens and beaches. El Salamlek Palace became a luxury hotel while public access to El Haramlek Palace began which later transformed into a part of the Presidential Palaces of Egypt used to host visiting presidents and monarchs. The Palestine Hotel Alexandria opened its doors in 1964 as a five-star establishment which overlooks the beautiful bay. The Second Arab Summit took place in Alexandria from September 5 to 11 1964 while the first Arab Summit occurred in Cairo on January - 13 - 1964.
Facilities Within the Montaza Complex
The palace complex includes multiple historic buildings and tourist sites which make up its total area. El Salamlek Palace (1892) was built by Khedive Abbas Helmy II as his personal retreat which he used to host his Hungarian mistress Countess May Torok von Szendrő who later became his wife and received the name Javidan Hanem. El Haramlek Palace (1925) was constructed by King Fuad I in Italian architectural style through master builder Ferucci and engineer Hassan Pasha Adawy to function as the royal family's summer residence.
The Palestine Hotel operates as a five-star establishment which opened its doors in 1964 and the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH) currently serves as its owner.
- Montaza Lighthouse
- The Royal Greenhouse
- The Windmill
- The Water Cistern
- The Clock Tower
- The Tea Kiosk
- The Music Pavilion
- The area features multiple public beaches.
- The Artificial Lake
- The Royal Train Garage
The Origin of the Name (Montaza).
Arabic speakers use the word “Montaza” to describe a space which functions as a park or promenade. The area served as a royal summer retreat which provided a peaceful escape from the intense heat and political pressures of Cairo.
The terms Salamlek and Haramlek originate from Ottoman architectural traditions:
The space known as Salamlek functioned as the area where male visitors and official guests would gather.
The space known as Haramlek functioned as the family home dedicated to women and royal family members to use.
The architectural layout of this building followed the typical design practices which Ottoman and royal palaces used during that historical period.
The construction of El Salamlek Palace started in 1892 when Khedive Abbas Helmy II gave his orders for its building. The Montaza complex began its construction with this building because it functioned as a summer home and a diplomatic reception hall for important visitors and international guests.
The palace served as the venue for significant political discussions and royal events throughout Egypt's Khedival period.
Architectural Style
El Salamlek Palace displays an architectural style which combines:
Ottoman architectural elements\
European classical influences
Spacious sea-facing balconies
Large windows which provide daylight
Ornate decorative elements
The design shows how the ruling family wanted to merge European contemporary design with their Eastern cultural identity.
Historical Significance
The structure establishes the original boundary of the Montaza royal complex.
The historical building represents Egypt's 19th century transitional state.
The building demonstrates how Khedival architectural design evolved during its development.
El Haramlek Palace: The Peak of Royal Luxury Construction and Royal Era
The Egyptian king Fuad I commissioned the establishment of El Haramlek Palace as the royal family's exclusive summer residence in 1932. The structure served as the residence of King Farouk I until the monarchy ended during the 1952 Revolution.
The architects designed El Haramlek to exceed the luxurious appearance of Salamlek which served as the royal residence's most extravagant building.
Architectural Features
El Haramlek Palace stands as an architectural treasure which unites:
- Florentine Renaissance style
- Islamic decorative elements
- Eye-catching red-domed towers
- Spacious reception rooms
- Elegant room designs which show the royal way of living
The building showcases an original combination of Italian Renaissance design elements with Islamic architectural features.
Political and Cultural Importance
The period marked the last years of Egypt's monarchical rule.
The period connects directly to King Farouk's time as monarch.
The period marks an essential historical period which preceded Egypt's mid-20th century political changes.
Montaza Gardens stands as the site where historical events and natural landscapes combine.
The two palaces are surrounded by Montaza Gardens which extend across 370 acres of beautifully designed landscaped spaces. The gardens include:
The garden features rare tree species and plants which were brought from other regions.
The garden features wide open spaces which are available for public use.
The garden offers people walking paths which lead to beautiful nature viewing areas.
The garden provides visitors with uninterrupted Mediterranean Sea views
The location offers outstanding opportunities for taking photographs.
The combination of royal architectural design elements with natural coastal surroundings creates an attractive tourist destination at Montaza which people visit from all parts of Alexandria.
Why Visit El Salamlek and El Haramlek Palaces?
The palaces provide visitors with an opportunity to experience Egypt's royal past through their historical architecture.
- Discover Egypt’s royal heritage
- Explore unique architectural masterpieces
- Enjoy breathtaking Mediterranean views
- Experience tranquility within historic gardens
- Capture unforgettable photographs
El Salamlek and El Haramlek Palaces stand among Alexandria's most popular tourist sites which attract both history enthusiasts and architecture fans and travelers interested in local culture.
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