Built on a high coastal ridge overlooking the Mediterranean, the Montaza Palace complex in Alexandria stands as a striking monument of eclectic royal design. Originally conceived by Khedive Abbas Hilmi II in 1892 as a summer hunting lodge, the estate expanded significantly over the following decades, culminating in the construction of the grand Al-Haramlik Palace in 1932 under King Fuad I.
Architecturally, Al-Haramlik features a unique blend of Turkish Ottoman and Italian Florentine Gothic styles. The main tower—modeled directly after the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence—rises dramatically above the pine forests, establishing a distinct visual presence along Alexandria's eastern coastline.
"The Montaza Palace complex represents a highly expressive hybrid of Mediterranean styles, combining Gothic structural forms with Ottoman domestic layouts."
Ernesto Verrucci Bey and Khedival Eclecticism
The design of the Al-Haramlik Palace was directed by Ernesto Verrucci Bey, an Italian architect who served as the Chief Architect of the Royal Palaces. Verrucci’s design utilized heavy stone blocks, Gothic pointed arches, and delicate marble balconies. The interiors were decorated with hand-carved woodwork and imported Italian travertine, responding to the sea breeze that entered through the high arched galleries.
The surrounding gardens, spanning over 150 acres, were planted with rare Mediterranean pines, palms, and citrus trees, creating a shaded microclimate that offered a cool retreat from the hot Egyptian summer.
Curatorial Registry of Verrucci's Plans
The Royal Palaces Archive maintains a complete digital registry of Verrucci Bey's original drawings and correspondence. These records catalog the structural details and material manifests of the palace, serving as a key resource for conservation teams working to restore the historic coastal masonry.
Comparative botanical garden layout
Stone carving masonry study