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Located on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean, Al-Safa Palace acts as the gatekeeper and beacon of light transcending to the sea.
The spot where the Palace was constructed in 1887 was elliptically selected to be in renowned Zizinia, the epitome of the elite and a mecca for the construction of iconic palaces and mansions, particularly during Muhammad Ali dynasty. Al-Safa Palace stands tall amongst the myriad of historic structures and serves as a presidential palace opening its gates wide to presidential guests, ministers and statesmen while in Alexandria.
The palace was built by the Greek Count "Stephen Zizinia", the Consul General of Belgium to Egypt who used to work in the cotton trade. The palace was then transformed into Gloria Hotel.
In 1927, Prince Muhammad Ali, son of Khedive Tawfiq, decided to buy and renovate the palace and turn it into a royal palace; he named it after Al-Safa mountain that was mentioned in the Quran as one of the Hajj rituals.
Prince Muhammad Ali Pasha Tawfiq is the second son of Khedive Muhammad Tawfiq and the only male sibling of Khedive Abbas Hilmi II. He was the regent during the period between the death of King Fuad I and King Farouk’s- his cousin- succession to the throne until he reached the majority age on April 28, 1936. Then, he became the crown prince until Farouk begot his son, Prince Ahmed Fuad II.
Prince Muhammad Ali was the first to embark on establishing colossal palaces in Alexandria, thus inspiring Noble Fatima Haider to commission her palace “The Royal Jewelry Museum”, in this area. Prince Muhammad Ali was fascinated with Islamic art, so he engraved verses from the Holy Qur’an on the palace from the outside; the verse “Enter in peace and security” was written at the entrance of the palace.
Located on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean, Al-Safa Palace acts as the gatekeeper and beacon of light transcending to the sea.
The spot where the Palace was constructed in 1887 was elliptically selected to be in renowned Zizinia, the epitome of the elite and a mecca for the construction of iconic palaces and mansions, particularly during Muhammad Ali dynasty. Al-Safa Palace stands tall amongst the myriad of historic structures and serves as a presidential palace opening its gates wide to presidential guests, ministers and statesmen while in Alexandria.
The palace was built by the Greek Count "Stephen Zizinia", the Consul General of Belgium to Egypt who used to work in the cotton trade. The palace was then transformed into Gloria Hotel.
In 1927, Prince Muhammad Ali, son of Khedive Tawfiq, decided to buy and renovate the palace and turn it into a royal palace; he named it after Al-Safa mountain that was mentioned in the Quran as one of the Hajj rituals.
Prince Muhammad Ali Pasha Tawfiq is the second son of Khedive Muhammad Tawfiq and the only male sibling of Khedive Abbas Hilmi II. He was the regent during the period between the death of King Fuad I and King Farouk’s- his cousin- succession to the throne until he reached the majority age on April 28, 1936. Then, he became the crown prince until Farouk begot his son, Prince Ahmed Fuad II.
Prince Muhammad Ali was the first to embark on establishing colossal palaces in Alexandria, thus inspiring Noble Fatima Haider to commission her palace “The Royal Jewelry Museum”, in this area. Prince Muhammad Ali was fascinated with Islamic art, so he engraved verses from the Holy Qur’an on the palace from the outside; the verse “Enter in peace and security” was written at the entrance of the palace.
The palace contains a picturesque, exuberant garden, telling a tale of splendor, charm and beauty and bringing it to the palace. The palace is also famous for its tea kiosk that combines a mixture of arts, beauty and creativity, a three-dimensional painting full of intrigue.
The Ground Floor:
Hosts the entrance hall, decorated with column-shaped wooden logs, distinguished by vegetal motifs topped by a western-style panel and the prodigious Belgian mirrors ornamented with the symbol of the Kingdom at that time. The ceiling bears an exquisite copper chandelier.
Grand Main Salon:
Situated at the entrance, the elegant salon beams of beauty and authenticity. Every corner bears matchless artifacts and masterpieces of furniture dating back to the twentieth century encompassing the slogan of the Egyptian Kingdom and part of Kaaba’s Kiswah (the cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca). A large felt painting with wool of an ancient European character hangs proudly on the wall of the salon.
Main Dining Room:
The grand main salon leads to a full-fledged dining room made of the rarest types of wood. It hosts unparalleled elegant sets of chinaware. The room also has a fireplace, symbolizing sophistication and luxury.
The Enchanted Floor:
Located between the ground floor and the upper floor and comprises five rooms designated for courtiers and assistants.
The Upper Floor:
Holds a reception hall, to the right of which is the dining room; simple, delicate, and elegant, with oil paintings.
The Prince Suite:
It is located to the left of the hall in front of the dining room. It consists of a bedroom that includes luxurious furniture dating back to the times of Louis XVI, attached to it is a dressing room and a large bathroom. The suite also includes a private salon characterized by splendid colors and luxurious gold-plated furniture leading to the princess suite.
As the sun sets, the palace indulges in picturesque aurora colors, a source of inspiration, happiness, magic, and imagination.
All rights reserved to the presidency Copyright © 2020
All rights reserved to the presidency Copyright © 2020