Montazah Palace in Alexandria is far more than just a historic building. It is a dazzling blend of majestic architecture and breathtaking natural beauty, making it one of the top destinations for anyone seeking the best outings in Alexandria.
The palace tells the story of Khedive Abbas Helmy II. In 1892, he ordered its construction as a summer retreat for the royal family. Around the palace, visitors find the famous Montazah Gardens. Indeed, these gardens are among the finest in the world. They stand out for their vast size, rare trees, and enchanting landscapes. Moreover, the palace overlooks the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Together, this view offers a mix of royal elegance and seaside serenity.
In the following sections, you’ll find a complete guide to Montazah Palace — from its architectural wonders to practical details for planning your visit.
Where is Montazah Palace Located?
Montazah Palace is one of Egypt’s most famous royal palaces. It is located in the eastern part of Alexandria, in the Montazah Second District. Moreover, its prime spot along the Mediterranean coast makes it very special. Here, history, architecture, and natural beauty come together.
One of the most remarkable features of Montazah Palace is its direct view of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, this prime location makes the palace truly unique. Here, royal grandeur in design meets natural beauty. Together, the crystal‑clear waters and the lush greenery of the Montazah Gardens create a breathtaking scene.
🚗 How to Get to Montazah Palace
- Tourist Bus: Take the tourist bus line from Ras El‑Tin to Maamoura, which stops directly at Montazah Palace. Ticket price: 20 EGP.
- Abu Qir Train: Ride the Abu Qir train to Montazah Station, then walk or take a microbus to the palace gate.
- Microbus: From Misr Station or Moharram Bey, take a microbus heading to Mandara or Maamoura and ask to stop at Montazah Gate.
Ticket Price for Montazah Palace in Alexandria (2026)
Montazah Palace Visiting Hours – Alexandria 2026
Montazah Palace Interior: Open for visits from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with prior permission required.
Visitors can enjoy Montazah Gardens daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Here, they can stroll among rare trees, enjoy the greenery, and relax by the sea.
Information about Montazah Palace in Alexandria
The Story of Montazah Palace
The story of Montazah Palace in Alexandria began in 1892. At that time, Khedive Abbas Helmy II went on a hunting trip. Then, the beauty of the place captivated him. As a result, he ordered the construction of Salamlek Palace. He built it as a summer retreat for himself, his wife Juidan Hanem, and the royal family.
Later, in 1925, King Fouad I issued an order to build the Al‑Haramlek Palace as a residence for his family. The palace was designed by the Italian architect Ernesto Verrucci together with the Egyptian engineer Hassan Pasha Al‑Adawy.
The history of the palace continued with the kings, as King Farouk made it his residence for hosting distinguished guests during official occasions and celebrations. After the July Revolution of 1952, the Montazah Gardens were opened to the public.
The palace hosted many official occasions, but visitors needed prior permission to enter. In addition, the palace witnessed several important events. For example, leaders gathered for the second Arab Summit in 1964. They held the meeting at the Palestine Hotel (Helnan) inside the Montazah complex.
Who Lived in Montazah Palace?
Khedive Abbas Helmy II lived in the Salamlek Palace with his wife, Princess Juidan Hanem.
Later, King Fouad I settled with his royal family in the Al‑Haramlek Palace during the summer months each year.
Then, King Farouk moved into the palace, where he hosted parties and official ceremonies.
The palace was also home to several princesses, including Princess Fadia, Princess Fawzia, and Princess Ferial, who had a small private cinema hall dedicated to them inside the palace.
Montazah Palace Interior
The Montazah Palace Interior ranks among the most luxurious royal palaces in Egypt. It combines Eastern ornamentation with modern European style. Together, these elements reflect the life of the Alawite family during their golden era.
Inside Montazah Palace, visitors can explore royal halls and admire rare historical artifacts. The palace’s balconies open directly onto the Mediterranean Sea, offering breathtaking views.
The interior is furnished with lavish European pieces, showcasing French and Italian design influences. The royal halls are richly decorated with gold details and Italian marble, adding to the palace’s majestic atmosphere.
Highlights of Montazah Palace Interior
- Khedive Abbas Helmy II built Salamlek Palace in 1892 as a retreat. Since then, the palace has stood out for its simple classical design.
- King Fouad I built Al‑Haramlek Palace in 1925 as an architectural masterpiece. Moreover, the palace features balconies that overlook the sea and lavish royal halls. In addition, its design blends European style with Islamic elements.
- “The Royal Throne Hall: This hall was designed to receive distinguished guests and official figures, and it was adorned with gold and Italian marble.”
- “Princesses’ Cinema Hall: This hall was established for film screenings dedicated to the royal family.”
- “Tea Kiosk: Also known as the Tea Palace, it is now open to the public for visits. In the past, it was the favorite spot of Khedive Abbas Hilmi II to enjoy tea by the sea.”
- “The Royal Greenhouse: A glasshouse that contains a collection of rare plants imported from Europe during the reign of the Khedive.”
Size of Montazah Palace and Gardens
“Number of Rooms in Montazah Palace”
- **”The area of Montazah Palace in Alexandria is about 370 acres, distributed mainly across the Montazah Gardens which cover most of the space.
- There are five main beaches: Semiramis, Cleopatra, Aida, Venice, and Palestine.
- The royal buildings include the Salamlek Palace, the Haramlek Palace, the Clock Tower, the Tea Palace, the Music Kiosk, the Royal Greenhouse, the Royal Train Station, and the Princesses’ Cinema.
- Among the hotels, the most prominent is the Palestine Hotel, which hosted the second Arab Summit in 1964.”**
“In the past, Montazah Palace had about 220 rooms, most of which were in the Palestine Hotel, alongside the rooms contained in the Salamlek and Haramlek Palaces.”
“After the palace was renovated and restored in 2026, the number of rooms increased to 920 modern hotel rooms equipped to welcome visitors. It also includes royal suites and halls dedicated to important events and conferences.”
“The original royal rooms of the two palaces were designated to become part of the tourist tours.”
“The newly designed hotel rooms welcome visitors and residents, offering services at different levels ranging from three-star to seven-star.”
“Top Activities at Montazah Palace Interior”
“Visitors to Montazah Gardens and Palace can enjoy a wide range of activities within this vast space, including:”
- **”Strolling through the gardens among rare trees and flowers.
- Cycling and exploring inside the gardens.
- Enjoying tea with cake at the Tea Palace with an additional ticket.
- Relaxing by the sea or enjoying the multiple beaches.
- Taking photos amidst the stunning nature and historical landmarks.
- Entering the royal palaces and discovering the history of Alexandria.”**
“Frequently Asked Questions about Montazah Palace in Alexandria”
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