Palatial fun in Northern Egypt (Montaza Palace (Alexandria, Egypt))

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Montaza Palace (Alexandria, Egypt)
Date:	11/06/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Really nice surroundings, unique building, relaxing

Disadvantages: Can't enter the palace

On the outskirts of Alexandria, some 15km or so along the coast, there's a beautiful pink palace in extremely pleasant gardens. Montazah Palace was Away from the stresses of busy urban Egypt, the palace is now offbound to all but the president but the view from outside is still worth while and a walk around the park has many a hidden treasure. Started by Kedive Abbas in 1892, his son enlarged it including building a very cool bridge connecting it with the shoreline. Whether it's a splash on the beach or a rest in the shade from the afternoon heat. Montazah Palace is very much the place to hang out.

There's a unique atmosphere as young couples relieved from the scrutiny of Islamic culture enjoy a cuddle in the park often accompanied by a picnic. Away from the watchful eye of their elders, everyone seems to keep themselves to themselves and this is one place which is completely devoid of any hustling. If you are trying to cram Alexandria into a day trip from Cairo then you'll want to make use of the bus services that leave from the centre (No.260 from Masr Train Station or No. 260 from Midan Orabi), even if you have a few days to kill - the uneventful 15km walk is not really worthwhile. like I did then I'd recommended the cheap but cramped train journey to the dead beat, the somewhat decrepit resort adds a sense of adventure to your visit.

Although part of the Montaza Palace was being renovated during my visit, it's austentation, funky design and bright pink colour was a definite draw and gave off an aura of an impressive building. The buildings by the beach of the park were supposedly built as homes for the wealthy and hanging out in the semi-built project reminded me of finding building sites cool as a child. The water splashed against the rocks at the edges of the park in a way I wasn't aware the Atlantic could, the Alexandrian coastline generally is quite rough for such a calm sea. Admission to the park is 4 EGP (about 30p) and to the beach it is 10 EGP (do the maths ;)). Which makes it a worthwhile bargain. Away from the stresses of busy urban Egypt, Montazah is a small slice of paradise and definitely the most enjoyable thing I visited in this part of Egypt.

Summary: Excellent place to visit