El Manasterly Palace

According to the latest National Organization for Urban Harmony census, Egypt contains 6400 palaces and historical buildings, estimated at 200 billion US dollars (3.5 trillion Egyptian pounds). Cairo alone has 3400 buildings, Giza has 400 buildings, Alexandria has 1100, and Port Said has 600. El Manasterly Palace is one of these fantastic buildings. 

Egypt and its Historical Buildings: El Manasterly Palace

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities considers a building historical after it passes the 100-year mark following its establishment.

What is even more exciting and is only known by a few is that Egypt owns many historical buildings outside its borders, mainly in Greece, such as the Muhammed Ali Museum, the palace of Muhammed Ali’s father, agricultural lands, and a marine school by the Aegean Sea built by Muhammed Ali himself in 1748.

Back in Egypt, many of the historical palaces have been transformed into government facilities and schools, including the Palace of Prince Mustafa, the son-in-law of Khedive Ismail, which became the headquarters of the Ministry of Education. In contrast, the palace of Mansour Pasha, the husband of Princess Tawhida, is now occupied by the Ministry of Military Production. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice is situated at the palace of Ismail Pasha Al Mofatesh. Dubara Palace, owned by Princess Amina, the granddaughter of Abbas Helmi I, and the palace of Prince Omar Tuson, are now both used as a school. Also, Saffron Palace, which is said to be similar to the Palace of Versailles in France, is now the University of Ain Shams.

El Manasterly Palace and its Owner

Among the historical palaces that are still prominent today is El Manasterly Palace in Manila District, Cairo. Hassan Fouad Pasha El Manasterly built it on 1000 km2 of land in 1850-51. Hassan Pasha’s surname comes from Manastir (now called Bitola) in Macedonia, where he is originally from.

Hassan Pasha El Monastery took on various prominent positions during the reign of Khedive Abbas Helmi I. Most importantly, he was the first to hold the title of Governor of Cairo. He was also Kethüda and Minister of Interior. His mosque, where he is buried, is situated near the palace as well.

The Roda Island on which the palace was built was initially occupied by Mamluks, specifically Sultan Saleh Negm El-Dyn Ayyoub, who previously had a palace in the exact location and ruled from 637 to 647 AH and 1240 to 1249 AD.

El Manasterly Palace is split into two sections: the Salamlek, where guests are received, and the Haramlek, where the women resided, which the government took over after the 1952 revolution and the dissolution of the monarchy. It is now a Water Desalination Plant.

El Manasterly Palace Architecture

El Manasterly Palace was influenced by European architectural styles, mainly baroque and rococo. Contrary to most houses at the time, where houses contained an inner court that served as the palace garden, El Manestarly Palace contained a surrounding garden that led you to the inner palace.

Most of the palace’s furniture and décor are unavailable now due to its current use, which regularly opens for events and photo sessions.

What distinguishes the Palace are its ceiling murals and wall paintings, which have been restored over the years.

If you walk into the Palace’s main hall, you’ll come across two bedrooms and through the door on your right, you will find a large room where the residents and the guests listen to live music. The room was built specifically for that purpose, as the curved ceiling helps transmit the sound around the room, meaning that the singer would not need a microphone. The music room also includes two smaller rooms, one of which is a bathroom. The terrace that wraps around the palace also ends with that room since all sides overlook the Nile.

Walking around El Manasterly Palace, you will also come across the Nilometer, which predates the palace by around 1000 years.  It dates back to 861 AD and 247 AH during the reign of Caliph Al-Mutawakkil `Ala Allah Al Abbasi.

Hassan Pasha also held his regular meetings or diwan at El Manesterly Palace and became the custodian of the Nilometer. For several years afterwards, El Manasterly Palace became the official location for the Arouss Al Nil (Bride of the Nile) annual celebration.

After World War II, El Manasterly Palace made history when it was chosen as the meeting place for King Farouk and several Arab monarchs and leaders in 1947, where they discussed the creation of an Arab League.

Modern Day El Manasterly Palace

In 2001, the Minister of Culture established an “International Center of Music” at El Manasterly Palace. Another palace section has been transformed into a museum for Umm Kolyhum, the famous late Egyptian singer.

An El Manasterly Bridge was built close to the palace and was named after it.

El Manasterly Palace has been used to film many films and TV series over the years due to its unique architecture, which makes it an exciting background for any scene.

In 2016, a new list of prices was released for official filmings and usages of certain historical buildings. El Manasterly Palace was listed among them, detailing that it would cost 50,000 EGP per 300 people on the site at the time of filming.

El Manasterly Palace: A Must-Visit

Overall, El Manasterly Palace is a location not to be missed if you want to glimpse what life was like in a different era where glamour and luxury prevailed. Lords and ladies ruled over the country, leaving behind multiple palaces admired and visited by generations, as well as Egyptians and foreigners who admire Egyptian history and its antiquities and always look forward to returning after visiting Egypt.

Make sure to read up on the site and its historical significance before visiting so you can grasp its importance and why the Ministry of Antiquities preserves these historical buildings for future generations to learn more about their history.

The Cultural Significance of El Manasterly Palace

Although Hassan Pasha El-Manasterly primarily used El Manasterly Palace as a summer residence, its cultural significance has only grown. Today, the palace is not just an architectural relic but a space dedicated to music, culture, and art.

The palace has become an essential venue for the classical music community in Cairo because it houses the International Music Centre. The centre was established by the famous Egyptian pianist and conductor Ratiba El-Hefny, and it has since been a hub for hosting classical music concerts, including chamber music, opera performances, and traditional Egyptian music. The palace’s acoustics and intimate setting provide a perfect backdrop for these performances, making it a cherished venue among musicians and music enthusiasts.

Visitors to El Manasterly Palace are often captivated by its serene atmosphere. Unlike other crowded tourist sites in Cairo, the palace provides a tranquil setting where one can fully appreciate the cultural heritage that it represents. The palace’s location on Roda Island adds to its charm, as the gentle flow of the Nile and the lush greenery surrounding it create a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

The Nilometer: A Step Back in Time

One cannot discuss El Manasterly Palace without mentioning the Nilometer, which lies adjacent to the palace grounds. The Nilometer is one of the oldest and most significant structures related to the Nile River, dating back to the Abbasid period in the 9th century. It was used to measure the river’s water levels and predict the annual flood, which was crucial for agriculture and the economy of Egypt.

The cylindrical stone structure of the Nilometer is connected to the Nile via a series of tunnels and was used to assess the height of the river’s waters. High water levels meant a prosperous year with fertile soil, while low levels often indicated the potential for famine and drought. The measurements were carefully recorded by priests and officials, making the Nilometer an essential tool in Egypt’s ancient civilisation.

Though no longer used today, the Nilometer remains a fascinating historical monument. It provides insight into ancient Egypt’s advanced hydraulic engineering and reflects the significant role the Nile has always played in shaping the country’s history and prosperity.

Restoration and Preservation

Preserving El Manasterly Palace and its surroundings has been a delicate task. Like many historic buildings in Cairo, the palace faced decay due to environmental factors and a lack of proper maintenance. In the early 2000s, the Egyptian government, recognising the palace’s cultural and historical importance, initiated restoration efforts to protect it from further deterioration.

Restoration included cleaning and repairing the marble floors, strengthening the wooden ceilings, and restoring the intricate decorative features that had faded over time. The adjacent Nilometer also underwent preservation efforts to ensure that this unique Egyptian history remained intact for future generations.

The renovation of El Manasterly Palace has preserved its architectural beauty and revitalised its role as a cultural centre. The palace now regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events, helping to ensure that its legacy continues to thrive in modern Cairo.

Visiting El Manasterly Palace

A visit to El Manasterly Palace offers a rich experience for those who wish to explore a quieter, less tourist-heavy side of Cairo’s historical heritage. The palace is easily accessible from the mainland via a short bridge that connects Roda Island to the city. Its proximity to other landmarks, such as the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and Cairo University, makes it a convenient addition to sightseeing in the city.

The palace’s interiors are open to the public, allowing visitors to admire the intricate details of its architecture, while the International Music Centre frequently hosts performances open to music lovers. Walking through the halls of El Manasterly Palace, it’s easy to imagine the grandeur of life during the 19th century, as the tranquil surroundings and ornate design transport you back in time.

Many tourists overlook the palace, meaning visitors can enjoy a more private and intimate experience than other busy attractions. This allows for quiet reflection on the historical significance of the palace and the Nilometer and the cultural richness these structures represent.

Conclusion

El Manasterly Palace may not be as famous as some of Cairo’s other historic landmarks, but its significance cannot be understated. As a symbol of Egypt’s Ottoman past, a representation of 19th-century architectural elegance, and a hub for cultural and musical expression, the palace holds a special place in the city’s rich tapestry of history.

Its serene location on the banks of the Nile and its proximity to the ancient Nilometer only add to its allure. It offers a unique experience that combines history, art, and nature. For those seeking a more intimate and cultured exploration of Cairo, El Manasterly Palace is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you are an architecture admirer, a music lover, or a history enthusiast, this palace provides a window into a different time, where the past and present come together in perfect harmony.