Palace and Gardens of Montaza: The Summer Palace on the Mediterranean
The Montaza complex is one of the most enchanting places in Alexandria, Egypt, a corner of paradise where the elegance of royal architecture blends with the natural beauty of the Mediterranean gardens. Located at the eastern extremity of the city, along the coast that overlooks the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, this vast park of about 150 acres hosts two historic palaces, lush gardens, golden beaches and a series of auxiliary structures that tell the story of the modern Egyptian monarchy.
Originally built as a summer residence for Khedive Abbas II Hilmi in 1892, the Montaza complex became over the decades the favourite refuge of the Egyptian royal family, a place of rest and representation where the sovereigns could escape the heat of Cairo and enjoy the sea breeze of Alexandria.
History of the Complex
The Origins under Abbas II
Khedive Abbas II Hilmi, the last Egyptian sovereign of the Muhammad Ali line to rule under British supervision, chose this rocky promontory overlooking the sea as the seat of his summer residence in 1892. The site was ideal: far from the chaos of the urban centre, blessed by a constant breeze and surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.
The first building constructed was the Salamlik Palace, intended for the male apartments and the administrative offices. In an eclectic architectural style with Austro-Hungarian influences, the Salamlik served as the operational seat of the khedive during the summer months, when the entire court moved to Alexandria.
The Al-Haramlik Palace
The most majestic building of the complex is the Al-Haramlik Palace, built in 1932 by the will of King Fuad I as the private residence of the royal family. The palace was designed in a unique architectural style that blends Florentine and Ottoman elements, creating an aesthetic that has no parallels in Egyptian architecture.
The central tower of the palace, inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio of Florence, rises with its characteristic crenellation above the main body of the building, while the loggias, the porticoes and the decorative details recall the Italian Renaissance villas. At the same time, the domes, the pointed arches and the geometric decorations of the internal walls betray the influence of Ottoman and Islamic architecture.
The palace, which literally means "the dwelling of the women", was intended for the private apartments of the royal family and in particular for the harem. Although today it is not open to the public and is used as a presidential residence, its external façade is visible from the gardens and represents one of the most photographed views of Alexandria.
The Era of King Farouk
The Montaza complex reached its maximum splendour during the reign of King Farouk (1936-1952), the last sovereign of Egypt before the revolution of 1952. Farouk loved to spend long periods at Montaza, where he organised lavish receptions and enjoyed the marine life. The king had the gardens expanded, new service structures built and the infrastructures of the complex improved.
The private beach of Montaza was the personal realm of Farouk, who practised water sports there and entertained illustrious guests from all over the world. The famous arched bridge that connects the coast to a rocky islet was built in this period and became one of the symbols of the complex.
After the Revolution
With the revolution of 1952 and the abolition of the monarchy, the Montaza complex was nationalised and destined for public use. The gardens were opened to the population, becoming the most beloved public park of Alexandria. The Salamlik Palace was transformed into a luxury hotel, while the Al-Haramlik remained the official residence, used to receive foreign heads of state.
The Gardens
A Botanical Oasis on the Mediterranean
The gardens of Montaza are the beating heart of the complex and the main attraction for visitors. Extended over about 150 acres, they represent one of the largest and best-tended public gardens of the Middle East. The landscape layout combines the European formal garden with the English informal garden, creating a mosaic of different environments that follow one another along shady paths.
The royal palms alternate with maritime pines, brightly coloured bougainvillea compete with hibiscus and jasmine for the attention of the visitor, while the boxwood hedges design geometric shapes that frame fountains and decorative statues. The plant species come from all over the Mediterranean basin and from the tropical regions, creating a botanical collection of great scientific value.
The Paths and the Thematic Areas
The gardens are crossed by tree-lined avenues and winding paths that lead to different thematic areas. The rose garden, with hundreds of varieties from all over the world, is particularly spectacular in spring. The succulent plant garden hosts cacti and succulents of impressive dimensions. The avenue of palms, over 500 metres long, leads from the main gate towards the Al-Haramlik palace, offering a scenographic perspective worthy of a palace.
Along the paths are gazebos, ornamental benches and rest areas from which to admire different views of the park and the sea. The fountains, some of which date back to the era of Abbas II, add the relaxing sound of water to the already idyllic atmosphere of the gardens.
The Beach and the Seafront
One of the most attractive aspects of the Montaza complex is its relationship with the sea. The rocky coast is interspersed with coves of golden sand where it is possible to bathe in the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean. The main beach, once reserved for the royal family, is today accessible to the public and offers bathing services.
The picturesque arched bridge that extends towards the sea is one of the most beloved panoramic points: from its summit one enjoys a 360-degree view that embraces the gardens, the palaces, the open sea and the coastline of Alexandria. At sunset, this bridge becomes one of the most romantic places in the city.
The Montaza Lighthouse
At the extremity of the promontory rises a small lighthouse that still today performs its function of guide for the navigators. Built in a relatively recent era, the lighthouse adds a picturesque touch to the panorama and recalls the maritime vocation of Alexandria, a city founded by Alexander the Great precisely for its strategic position on the Mediterranean.
The Salamlik Palace
The Salamlik Palace, the first building constructed in the complex, has been converted into a luxury hotel that allows guests to live the experience of staying in a royal residence. The building preserves original architectural and decorative elements of the era of Khedive Abbas II, including marble floors, decorated ceilings and period furnishings.
The hotel has restaurants with a view of the sea and the gardens that offer high-quality Egyptian and international cuisine. The panoramic terrace is a perfect place for an aperitif at sunset, with a view of the waters of the Mediterranean that are tinged with gold and purple.
Tips for the Visit
How to Get There
The Montaza complex is located in the district of the same name, in the eastern zone of Alexandria, about 20 kilometres from the city centre. It is reachable by taxi, bus or minibus. The route along the Corniche offers a pleasant overview of the Alexandrian coast. From the Sidi Gaber railway station, the journey by taxi is about 15 minutes.
Hours and Access
The gardens are open every day from 08:00 to 22:00. The access has a modest cost that includes entrance to the gardens and to the public beach. The Al-Haramlik Palace is not open to the public, but is visible from the outside. The Salamlik Palace is accessible as a hotel and restaurant.
What to Bring
Provide for comfortable shoes to explore the vast gardens, sun protection, a hat and abundant water. If you wish to bathe, bring a swimsuit and beach towel. The sea breeze makes the walk pleasant even in summer, but in the winter months it can be cool, so bring a jacket.
The Best Moment
Late afternoon is the ideal time to visit Montaza: the golden light enhances the colours of the gardens and the sunset seen from the bridge over the sea is an unmissable spectacle. In spring, the blooming of the roses and the jasmines transforms the gardens into a triumph of colours and scents. The weekends can be crowded with Alexandrian families, so for a quieter visit weekdays are recommended.
Montaza is much more than a public park: it is a fragment of royal history, an enchanted garden where nature and architecture blend in a perfect harmony, and where every visitor can feel, for a few hours, a guest of a palace overlooking the most ancient sea in the world.
