قصر المنتزه

Montazah Palace crowns a headland of lush gardens on Alexandria's eastern shore, its Florentine-style tower rising above pine groves, palms and lawns that run down to the Mediterranean. Built as a royal summer retreat for Egypt's khedivial family, the grounds blend Italianate and Ottoman flourishes with sweeping sea views.

The palace interiors are generally closed, but the real pleasure is the estate itself: shaded paths, a curving bridge to a small island, flower beds, and a private-feeling beach where the surf breaks against the rocks. It's where Alexandrians come to stroll, picnic and catch the sea breeze.

Sunset from the gardens, with the tower silhouetted against the water, is the classic Alexandria scene.