Montaza Palace and its Spacious Gardens

The spacious Montaza Palace and the surrounding gardens have been a haven for the people of Alexandria for decades. During holidays or weekends, they can spend leisure time with their families at the palace. They can stroll around the park, have picnics, or visit the children’s play area, where their kids can run freely and enjoy the fantastic sun that characterizes Egypt’s weather all year round.

What does Montaza Mean?

LocaMonataza means “park” in Arabic, which is quite suitable. It is also said that Montaza was suggested by the head of the government’s Turkish Diwan, Mahmoud Shukry Pasha.

Where is Montaza?

Located at the northeast end of the city, Montaza is named after the district surrounding it. It is the largest district in Alexandria, with over a million people living there.

Montaza Palace

The district’s history and popularity stem from the significant landmarks that mark the area. The Montaza Palace, which you can see immediately after arriving in the district through El Corniche Road, was built in 1932 by King Fouad I of Egypt. Before that, a hunting lodge, Salamlik, was constructed in 1892 by Khedive Abbas II.

A court chronicler, Ahmed Shafik Pasha, said that the decision to build the Montaza Palace came about in the 19th century during a moonlight trip by Khedive Abbas Hilmi, whose mother’s palace, Saray al-Ramleh, was situated along the eastern border of the city and beyond that point, there was only sandy hills and beaches.

In 1892, Abbas Helmy II rode his horses and donkeys on the shores of Alexandria with his friends. Once, he ordered his men to prepare 80 donkeys for his ride along with the Khedive Music band. Several Bedouins heard the music in Sidi Bisher and realized that the Khedive was coming.

His friend, Shafik Pasha, said, “With him on this particular moonlight escapade was his secretary Rolier Bey, Ali Shaheen Bey from Protocol and myself, along with a 40-pax retinue including a musical band. As we continued eastwards, we ran into what must have been an old fortification from the Mohammed Ali days with a few rusty cannons still in evidence.”

Seeing the area’s potential, Khedive Abbas decided to build a summer palace on a plot of land that only had a small wooden hut. The wealthy Alexandrian Monsieur Augustino Sinadino owned the hut, and the entire plot belonged to the Coastguard Department.

Two canons, dating back to Mohamed Ali’s reign, were found. They were used to protect the North Coast of Egypt and the city of Alexandria. They are still in the same spot today, right in front of where the Salamlik Palace was built.

Wanting to expand the area further, Khedive Helmy II also bought the house of Sinadino, a wealthy Alexandrian tradesman, and many lands from people living there. Later, the gardens were added to the surroundings of the Montaza Palace. The Egyptian Royal Family used it as a summer palace, and of course, it was closed off from any public access.

The royal family continued caring for the Montaza Palace and estate until the reign of the last king of Egypt, Farouk I. Then, the Egyptian revolution of 1952 broke out in the country, overthrowing the monarchy and seizing all of its assets, including the Montaza Palace and the Salamlek Palace was transformed into a museum until it was added to the presidential palaces which served as a hosting place for the president’s visitors. The gardens, however, have been open to the public since then. Now, you can pay EGP 25 to enter the park and enjoy your day in the sun.

Architecture of Montaza Palace

The Salamlik was designed by the court engineer Fabricius Bey and constructed in 1892. Afterwards, during the reign of King Fouad I, the Haramlik (or the Montaza Palace) was added, becoming a world-renowned cultural landmark.

The Montaza Palace, with two towers, was designed in a mixture of Ottoman and Florentine architectural styles. The letter ‘F’ is inscribed on the Palace walls as an ode to its owners: King Fouad and his son and heir, King Farouk, whose wife’s name, ‘Farida,’ also started with an ‘F’.

The Montaza garden also contains a large selection of tropical trees and plants, some rare and more than 75 years old.

Other notable landmarks in the Montaza Gardens are the old clock tower and two hotels: Helnan Palestine and Salamlek Palace. The Sheraton Montazah is located outside the park but across from it.

The Gardens of Montaza

Beyond its magnificent palace, Montaza is perhaps best known for its sprawling gardens, which cover an area of over 150 acres. Designed by renowned landscape architects, the gardens are a masterpiece of botanical artistry, featuring diverse plant species from around the world.

Winding pathways lead visitors through lush greenery, past vibrant flowerbeds and tranquil ponds, creating a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. Towering palm trees, fragrant citrus groves, and exotic blooms add to the garden’s allure, providing a feast for the senses at every turn.

One of the highlights of the Montaza Gardens is the expansive Royal Gardens, which were once exclusively reserved for the royal family. Today, these beautifully manicured grounds are open to the public, inviting visitors to stroll along tree-lined avenues, relax in shady groves, and admire the beauty of ornamental fountains and sculptures.

The Gardens also boast several picturesque pavilions and gazebos where visitors can rest and enjoy tranquil surroundings. From these vantage points, one can appreciate the harmonious blend of nature and architecture that defines Montaza Palace and its gardens.

What to do in Montaza

Have a Picnic or Venture into the Sea

Visitors to Montaza can enjoy all sorts of water activities. You can go on a boat ride, waterskiing, dive, snorkel, or even just chill out on the beach.

You can also bring your barbecue gear along and have a great time on a family picnic or with friends anywhere in the vast gardens.

Helnan Palestine Hotel

The 360-acre gardens contain five beaches: Aida, Cleopatra, Venice, Semiramis, and the private beach of Helnan Palestine Hotel.

So, if you’re looking for a place to stay within Montaza Park that offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean and spacious gardens, look no further than Helnan Palestine Hotel.

The five-star Helnan Palestine hotel faces one of Alexandria’s most famous historical landmarks, the Montaza Palace, and has a private beach for guests.

Zanilli’s Café

The Zanilli’s Café, located right on the beach by the Montaza Bridge, draws a large crowd, especially in the summer months when the weather is fantastic. You can sit right by the shore of the Mediterranean and have a hot meal or a warm drink with your friends and family.

Montaza’s Hidden Secrets?

Every historical landmark has its mysteries and hidden secrets. In 2015, the Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Mamdouh al-Damaty, announced that a secret chamber had been discovered under Montaza Palace’s gardens.

Gardeners working on the palace’s gardens discovered a crypt dating back to WWI or WWII. The crypt, which featured iron bars and several holding cells, could have been used as an underground prison.

We can’t imagine what else could be found if archaeologists could ‘dig a little deeper’.

Preservation and Conservation Efforts

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and protect Montaza Palace and its surrounding gardens for future generations. Conservation initiatives aim to maintain the integrity of the palace’s architecture and restore its original splendour, while sustainable gardening practices ensure the long-term health of the garden’s ecosystem. By safeguarding this cultural treasure, authorities hope to ensure Montaza Palace continues to inspire and delight visitors for centuries.

Visiting Montaza Palace

Guided tours are available for those seeking to experience the splendor of Montaza Palace and its gardens. These tours offer insight into the history, architecture, and botanical treasures of this remarkable landmark. Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent interiors, stroll through the tranquil gardens, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply searching for a peaceful retreat, Montaza Palace offers something for everyone. Its timeless beauty and serene ambience make it a must-visit destination on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, promising an unforgettable journey through the annals of history and the wonders of nature.

Last Thoughts

Montaza Palace is a testament to Alexandria, Egypt’s rich history and cultural heritage. From its majestic architecture to enchanting gardens, the palace complex continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and allure. Whether strolling through the manicured lawns or marvelling at the intricate details of the palace interiors, guests are transported to a bygone era of elegance and refinement. As a symbol of Egypt’s enduring legacy, Montaza Palace remains a destination for travellers worldwide, inviting them to explore its storied past and bask in its unparalleled beauty.

Overall, the Montaza Palace and gardens are a must-visit if you’ve ever been to Alexandria. Moreover, if you’re looking for similar cities with scenic views and an ancient history, go no further than the city of Rosetta, which is about an hour’s drive away.