Abdeen Palace

a 19th-century Cairo palace built by Khedive Ismail and served as Egypt’s seat of government from 1874 until the July Revolution in 1952. Since then, it is one of the presidential palaces. The palace is centered in its eponymous district, administratively part of the Western Area of Cairo, and part of the Khedival Cairo Area of Value to the west of Historic Cairo.

Overview

Built on the site of a small mansion owned by Abdeen Bey, Abdeen Palace, which is named after him, has adornments, paintings, and a large number of clocks scattered in the parlors and wings, most of which are decorated with pure gold. Built under the rule of Ismail Pasha, to become Egypt’s official government headquarters instead of the Citadel of Cairo (which had been the center of Egyptian government since the Middle Ages), this palace was used as well for official events and ceremonies. the construction started in 1863 and continued for 10 years and the palace was officially inaugurated in 1874. Erected on an area of 24 feddans, the palace was designed by the French architect Léon Rousseau along with a large number of Egyptian, Italian, French and European decorators. A new wing was added by Joseph Urban in 1891. However, the palace’s garden was added in 1921 by Sultan Fuad I on an area of 20 feddans.

Museum
The palace today is a museum, located in the Old Cairo district of Abdin. The upper floors (the former living quarters of the royal family) are reserved for visiting foreign dignitaries. The lower floors contain the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, and the Presidential Gifts Museum. A new museum, the Historical Documents Museum, was opened in January 2005. Among other documents, it contains the Imperial Ottoman firman, or decree, which established the rule of Muhammad Ali and his family, and a certificate for the Order of the Iron Crown, from the short-lived South American Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia.

During World War II, the palace was used as the headquarters of the British army. To restore the palace’s interior, extensive repair work was conducted, which took over a decade to complete due to the enormous size of the palace. Artisans worked tirelessly to restore the elegant interiors of the palace, including the wood carvings, the stained glass windows, and the mosaics, which are now a breathtaking sight for visitors.

The palace is also known for its extensive collection of art and culture, which includes sculpture, paintings, weapons, and artifacts. Today, the Abdeen Palace Museum serves as an educational resource showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Egypt. Visitors can explore the different galleries within the palace, discover the architecture and history, and learn about the many famous figures who have visited this magnificent place.

In conclusion,

Abdeen Palace has an undeniable charm that visitors to Cairo should not miss. From the stunning architecture to the impressive art collection, this palace is a true gem in the heart of Egypt. Despite its use as a museum today, the palace still has palatial grace and elegance that shows the grandeur of the country’s history.