The Montaza (Montazah) Palace: A Tourist's Guide

Montaza Palace is a palace and gardens located in Alexandria, Egypt. Built in 1892 by the order of Khedive Ismail, it was intended to be a pleasure palace for the Khedive and the royal family and was later used as a summer residence by King Farouk.

The palace complex consists of the Palace proper and the Montaza Gardens. The Palace proper has three floors with a central courtyard. At the same time, the Montaza Gardens are much larger and include the following:

• Several smaller palaces and pavilions.
• A mosque.
• A beach club.
• Several open-air pools. 

Today, the Palace is owned by the government of Egypt and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. It is a great place to visit if you are interested in history or want to see a beautiful place.

This guide will cover the history, architecture and gardens of the Montazah Palace. It will also try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the site, such as: When is the best time to go? How fit do I need to be? How do I get there? - and more.

Brief History 

"The extensive Montaza Palace grounds first had the Salamlek Palace, built in 1892 by Khedive Abbas II, the last Muhammad Ali Dynasty ruler to hold the Khedive title over the Khedivate of Egypt and Sudan. It was used as a hunting lodge and residence for his companion.

The larger Al-Haramlik Palace and royal gardens were added to the Montaza Palace grounds, built by King Fuad I in 1932, as a summer palace. It is in a mixture of Ottoman and Florentine styles, with two towers. One of these towers rises distinctly above with elaborated Italian Renaissance design details. The Palace has long open arcades facing the sea along each floor.

President Anwar El-Sadat renovated the original Salamlek Palace as an official presidential residence. Former president Hosni Mubarak most recently used it." Original content from Wikipedia

The Montazah Palace Gardens

The Montaza Palace gardens were designed to be a place of relaxation and recreation for the Khedive and his guests. 

1. The Rose Garden is the largest and most famous garden at Montaza Palace. It covers an area of 20 hectares and contains over 50,000 rose bushes. The garden is divided into several sections, each with its distinct character. 
2. Palm Grove is located in the southern part of the gardens and is home to various palm trees and other tropical plants. The Mosque, built in the early 20th century, is located in the centre of the gardens. 

The gardens at Montaza Palace are some of the most beautiful in Egypt. They are filled with a variety of flowers, trees and shrubs. There are also many fountains and sculptures. 

The gardens are a popular spot for weddings and other events.

Architecture

The Montaza Palace is a beautiful example of Renaissance Revival architecture. The Renaissance Revival style was a popular choice for public buildings in the late 19th century and early 20th century. This style was seen as a way to revive the grandeur of the Renaissance period and can be found in many public buildings, including government buildings, courthouses, and libraries. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why visit the Montazah Palace & Gardens?

The Palace has several features that make it a great place to visit.

1. The Montaza Palace is one of Egypt's most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Renaissance Revival architecture.
2. The palace grounds are extensive and include several gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
3. The views from the Palace are stunning, especially from the upper floors and terraces.
4. The Montaza Palace is a great place to learn about the history of Egypt and the Renaissance period.
5. The staff at the Palace are very friendly and helpful.
6. The Palace is very well-maintained and clean.
7. The prices for admission and tours are very reasonable.
8. The Montaza Palace is a great place to take photos.
9. The Montaza Palace Gardens is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Alexandria.

Who will enjoy visiting The Montaza Palace & Gardens?

Many different types of travellers will enjoy visiting Montaza Palace.

1. Those who enjoy history and architecture will appreciate the Palace's beautiful design.
2. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors will enjoy the Palace's gardens, which offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
3. And those who enjoy shopping and dining will find plenty to do in the nearby city of Alexandria.

What is the best time of the year to visit Montaza Palace?

The Montaza Palace is a great place to visit all year round. However, the best time to visit the Palace are in October and November. 

• Firstly, the weather is more relaxed and more pleasant during these months. The average temperature in October is 26 degrees Celsius, and in November, it is 23 degrees Celsius. This is much cooler than the average temperature in Egypt, which is 32 degrees Celsius.
• Secondly, the prices of hotels and other tourist attractions are cheaper during these months. This is because the demand for these services is lower during these months. As a result, tourists can save a lot of money by visiting the Montaza Palace during these months.
• Thirdly, the Montaza Palace is less crowded during these months. This is because many tourists prefer to visit the Palace during winter when the weather is cooler. As a result, tourists who visit the Palace during October and November can enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful experience.
• Finally, the Montaza Palace is a great place to enjoy autumn colours. The leaves of the trees change colour during this time of year, and the Palace looks even more beautiful.

How do I get to the Montazah Palace in Alexandria?

To get to the Montaza Palace in Alexandria, take the following steps:

1. From Cairo, either take the train or take the Desert Highway northwest for about 200 kilometres until you reach the city of Alexandria.
2. Once in Alexandria, take the Corniche Road east until you reach the Montaza Palace.
3. Once at the main entrance, you must present your ID or passport to the security guard.
4. After you have been cleared by security, you can enter Montaza Palace and explore its many gardens and buildings.

However, The best way to get to the Montaza Palace is by taxi. You can either take a taxi from the airport or downtown Alexandria. The journey from the airport will take about 45 minutes, and from downtown, it will take about 30 minutes. The fare should cost around 150 EGP.

Note: Transportation fees are subject to change without notice.

How much does it cost to visit the Montaza Palace & Gardens, and when is it open?

The cost of admission to the Montaza Palace is 25 Egyptian pounds per person, and it is open every day from 8:00 am to 12:00 am.

Note: Opening times and entrance fees are subject to change without notice.

What should I wear at the Montazah Palace?

The Montaza Palace is a beautiful place to visit, and Tourists should respect the dress code to maintain the beauty of the Palace. The following is a recommended dress code for visitors:

• Dresses or skirts should be no more than knee-length.
• Shorts and trousers should be no more than mid-calf length.
• T-shirts, tank tops, and other revealing clothing are not allowed.
• Shoes must be closed-toe and comfortable to walk in.

The Montaza Palace & Gardens is a place of history and beauty, and it is important to dress in a way that respects that. By following the recommended dress code, visitors can help to keep the Palace looking its best.

How fit do I need to be?

The recommended level of fitness to visit the Montaza Palace & Gardens is moderate. This means you should be able to walk for long periods and climb stairs without difficulty.

If you have any health concerns, it is always best to consult your doctor before undertaking any physical activity.

Safety Recommendations

The following is a list of recommended safety conditions for the attraction and the surrounding area when visiting The Montaza Palace & Gardens:

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. This will help protect your feet from any sharp objects or debris that may be on the ground.
• Avoid wearing revealing clothing as you may attract unwanted attention.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This includes awareness of potential hazards, such as slippery surfaces or loose rocks.
• Be cautious when taking photos as some people may try to sell you things or ask for money.
• Keep your belongings with you at all times. Do not leave your belongings unguarded in busy areas.
• If you are approached by someone asking for money, politely decline and walk away.
• Stay on designated paths and trails. This will help you from getting lost or ending up in dangerous places.
• Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, especially when visiting during the summer months.
• Do not climb on the palace walls or other structures. This is not only dangerous but also disrespectful to cultural heritage.
• Be respectful of the Palace and the surrounding area. This includes not littering, damaging property, or disturbing wildlife.

Following these safety recommendations can help ensure that your visit to The Montaza Palace & Gardens is enjoyable and safe.

What souvenirs can I buy?

The Montaza Palace & Gardens is home to various souvenirs, from traditional Egyptian items to more modern gifts. 

Visitors can find anything from handcrafted jewellery to locally made pottery. There is something for everyone at The Montaza Palace.

Traditional Egyptian items are some of the most popular souvenirs at The Montaza Palace. These include things like papyrus paintings, hand-carved statues, and hieroglyphic scrolls. These souvenirs are perfect for anyone interested in the history and culture of Egypt.

For those looking for something a bit more modern, The Montaza Palace also has a wide selection of gifts. These include locally made pottery, handcrafted jewellery, and even Egyptian-themed coffee mugs. These souvenirs are perfect for anyone looking for a unique gift.

Regardless of what you are looking for, The Montaza Palace will likely have the perfect souvenir. So, next time you are in Egypt, stop by The Montaza Palace and pick up a souvenir.

What else can I do at the Montaza Palace & Gardens? 

These are some of the activities available at The Montaza Palace:

1. Swimming. There is a lake and several pools in the gardens and there are several beaches nearby that are great for swimming.
2. Exploring the palace grounds. The grounds are open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors can explore the museum on the premises or walk through the gardens.
3. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink in the area, so you can spend a whole day at the Palace and never get bored.

No matter what you're looking for, there is plenty to keep you busy at the Montaza Palace & Gardens. So come and explore all that this fantastic place has to offer!

What useful tips do you have for visiting the Montaza Palace?

Here are some tips for visiting Montaza Palace:

1. Plan your visit. The Palace is open from 8:00 am to 12:00 am. Tickets can be purchased online or at the site on the day of your visit.
2. Wear comfortable shoes. The Palace covered a large area, and a lot of walking was involved.
3. Bring a hat or sunglasses. The sun can be pretty strong in Alexandria.
4. Take your time. There is a lot to see at the Palace, so allow yourself plenty of time to explore.
5. Don't miss the Montazah Gardens. The gardens are one of the highlights of the Palace and are well worth a visit.
6. Photography is allowed. You can take photos inside the Palace, but flash photography is not permitted.
7. There is a café on site. If you get hungry, there is a café inside the palace grounds.
8. The Palace is wheelchair accessible. There is wheelchair access to most areas of the Palace & Gardens.
9. There are toilets on site. There are several toilets located inside the palace & garden grounds.
10. Have fun! Montaza Palace is a great place to learn about Egyptian history and culture.

Finally, have fun! The Montazah Palace & Gardens is an excellent site and will surely be a memorable experience. Enjoy your time in Egypt!