Sneak Peek at Newly Restored Muhammed Ali Pasha Palace in Shubra

The Muhammed Ali Pasha Palace in Shubra El Kheima is set to officially reopen its doors to visitors, following months of renovations. Resting on the Nile surrounded by splendid greenery, the palace - often referred to as ‘Egypt’s Versailles’ - is a testament to Egypt’s storied past, one where east meets west through its distinctive fusion of European decorative motifs borrowing from of rococo and baroque with a more traditional Islamic architectural style.

The 19th century palace was previously restored and reopened to visitors in 2005, before it got closed in 2010 due to damage to its ceilings. In 2015, the Saraya Al-Fasqiya, a nymphaeum complex used for celebrations, and the Gabalaya Kiosk, once used as a residence for women, were heavily damaged, leading to this extensive round of restorations which saw the establishment of a new river marina and a pedestrian bridge. 

The renovations were part of a broader national restoration project targeting eight monuments across Egypt including the Baron Empain Palace in Heliopolis, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat.