Montaza, both a district and a park in Alexandria, Egypt, holds a special significance beyond its literal translation as "park." Its essence lies in the Arabic root "nuzha," signifying untouched, unblemished, and free spaces. The Montaza district, located on the northeastern end of the city along the coast, encompasses neighborhoods like Soyof, El Falaky, El Mandara, Sidi Bishr, Maamora, Khurshid, Abu Qir, and parts of Asafra.
The neighborhood of Montaza, situated at the far northeast end of the district, is a favored tourist destination due to its sizable gardens and palaces inherited from its royal past. The Egyptian government charges a nominal fee for entry.
Built under the monarchy, Montaza Palace, which gives the park its name, was constructed during the reign of the Khedive Abbas II. The royal family's tradition of spending summers in the palace attracted wealthy Egyptians and foreigners.
It is considered quite exclusive to possess a cabin in Montaza, with ownership typically passed down through generations.
Montaza also features a notable clock tower and two historic hotels: the Helnan Palestine and Salamlek Palace.
Read also: Your New Cairo Retreat
The Historical Significance of Montazah Palace
At the beginning of the 20th century, Khedive Abbas II built a grand complex, creating the Montazah Palace amidst beautiful gardens overlooking charming beaches. After his reign, the royal family continued to care for the complex until the era of King Farouk.
Following the 1952 revolution, the Montazah complex became the property of the Egyptian government, opening its doors to the public.
4K- Best place to visit in Alexandria Egypt Montaza Palace قصر المنتزه الاسكندريه مصر
The Gardens of Montazah
The gardens of Montazah span approximately 3,000 meters and are filled with diverse and beautiful trees, tropical plants, and rare palm species. Some of the tropical plants were planted more than 75 years ago and remain in excellent condition. The garden collection includes special plants like Zamia, huge boots, Catania, Carlota, and unique palm trees.
Read also: Comprehensive Review: Helnan Marina Sharm
Salamlek Palace was originally built in the 19th century by King Mohammad Ali as a hunting lodge. On the same grounds, Al-Haramlik Palace was constructed during the reign of King Fuad in the 20th century as a seaside summer palace, now part of the Montaza Royal Gardens. This Royal Palace showcases a unique architectural design blending Turkish and Florentine styles. The Haramlek palace has a distinctive design that combines different types of styles with the Byzantine style dominant. This is beside the Gothic, Classic, and of course Islamic styles of architecture, and it was decorated richly in the Baroque and Rococo styles that consist of amazing ornaments of plants and geometric designs.
The garden of Al Montazah which is 3000 meters wide contains a huge selection of trees and plants and some of them are quite rare. Some of the tropical plants are still in good shape although they have been planted more than 120 years ago, and the plant collection in Montazah includes: Catania, huge boots, Zamia, Carlota, and special types of palms.
Helnan Palestine Hotel: A Royal Residence
The Helnan Palestine Hotel is one of the hotels built inside the Montazah royal palaces. This hotel became property for the Egyptian government after the 1952 revolution. The Egyptian president at that time, Gamal Abdel Nasser, asked to build this hotel in order to host the first Arab Summit which was a huge event that hosted all the Arab presidents and kings.
Over the years, the hotel became a royal residence for kings, queens, presidents, and public figures visiting Egypt. The Helnan Palestine Hotel at Montazah Park is known for its commitment to excellence in service and hospitality. Facing the Montazah Royal Palace that was once the site of the late Egyptian Royal Family’s Summer Palace.
Read also: Dreamland Hotel & Conference Center
This five-star deluxe hotel boasts a unique location on Montazah’s fine beach with calm waters and golden sands, surrounded by 350 acres of formal gardens. Helnan Palestine Hotel was built in 1964 to accommodate the Arab Kings and Heads of States participating in the Second Arab Summit in Alexandria, Egypt on September 5th, 1964.
This royal hotel features 233 rooms, all with sea or garden views, as well as 20 regular suites and 2 royal suites. The hotel is renowned for its exceptional restaurants, including the Estacoza Restaurant, located by the sea and offering fresh seafood, and the Alexandrina Restaurant, which serves various international dishes and hosts open buffet dinners all week.
Montazah Complex: A Destination for Relaxation
The Montazah Palace and Royal Gardens together form the Montazah complex, covering around 150 acres and extending to the nearby beach. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and tranquility infused with a royal ambiance. The gardens of El Montazah will make you feel like you’re in heaven. These gardens are about 3000 meters wide and full of a variety of trees, plants, and some rare species.
If you are searching for a place to enjoy some relaxing time, definitely The Montazah Palace and Royal Gardens is the perfect destination for you. You will find there all the means of relaxing and calmness infused with a royal feeling.
Alexandria: A City of History and Charm
Alexandria, known as Egypt’s “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” combines seaside charm with ancient history. It is divided into six neighborhoods, each with a large population. Alexandria is an important industrial area and Egypt’s largest seaport with two harbors, one facing east, the other west.
The Alexandria Museum contains a number of exhibits dating back to the Ptolemaic dynasty as well as Roman. What I found most interesting were some of the relics that have been brought up by the maritime archaeologists in the harbor which reveals details of the city both before Alexander’s time and during the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Top Hotels in Alexandria
Finding the right place to stay in Alexandria can shape your whole trip. Here are some of the best hotels in Alexandria:
- Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria
- Hilton Alexandria Corniche
- Cecil Hotel Alexandria
- Helnan Palestine Hotel
- Windsor Palace Hotel
Whether you’re splurging on the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, enjoying lively nights at the Hilton, or soaking up history at the Cecil, there’s a stay here that matches your style and budget.
Table: Top Hotels in Alexandria
| Hotel Name | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria | Luxury hotel in San Stefano | Private beach, multiple pools, fine dining |
| Hilton Alexandria Corniche | Located along the Corniche | Private beach, rooftop bar, sea views |
| Cecil Hotel Alexandria | Located directly on Saad Zaghloul Square | Close to attractions, cafes, and the Corniche |
| Helnan Palestine Hotel | Luxury hotel by Montazah Palace | Direct sea views, historical significance |
| Windsor Palace Hotel | Classic hotel overlooking the Corniche | Rooftop restaurant, sunset views |
Popular articles:
tags: #Egypt
