The historic Ras el-Tin Palace is considered one of the oldest palaces existing in Egypt and Alexandria today. It is one of Alexandria’s historical and archaeological landmarks. The palace’s historical importance stems from it being the only palace that witnessed and lived through the establishment of Muhammad Ali’s dynasty in Egypt, which lasted for about one hundred and fifty years. It is also the very same palace that witnessed the sunset of the Alawite dynasty’s rule over Egypt, observing the abdication of the former King Farouk and his departure from it aboard the royal yacht Al-Mahrousa from Ras el-Tin port.
Construction of the Palace
Muhammad Ali began building Ras el-Tin Palace in 1834 AD to add it to his palaces, alongside the other palaces he owned in Alexandria, such as Al-Mahmoudiyah Palace and Ibrahim Pasha Palace. Foreign engineers were employed for its construction and subsequent repairs, including the French engineer Cerisy Bey, whom Muhammad Ali brought to Egypt in 1828 to establish and oversee the Industrial School (Dar Al-Sina’a). Cerisy Bey was entrusted with designing the harem wing (haramlek) of this palace. Two other engineers, Romeo and Monsieur Le Froid, also participated in its construction. The palace was completed in 1845, taking eleven years to build. However, supplementary work and the construction of additional wings continued until 1847, when it was officially inaugurated.
Architectural Style and Reason for the Name
The palace was built in the European style prevalent in Alexandria at that time, due to the abundance of foreign communities residing there during that period. Both foreign and Egyptian workers were used in its construction. Initially, the palace was built in the form of a fortress and was located amidst abundant fig trees (Arabic: Teen) in that area, hence its name “Ras el-Tin” (Cape of Figs). Ras el-Tin Palace remained one of the most important royal palaces, serving as the summer residence for rulers throughout the ages, who would move there annually during the summer season.
Remains of the Old Palace
Currently, nothing remains of the old palace except the Eastern Gate, which was incorporated into the structure of the new palace. It consists of six granite columns topped with Egyptian capitals supporting a lintel. This lintel features seven circles made of copper, shaped like crowns. Inside these circles are inscribed Quranic verses and famous sayings about justice in copper letters, such as: “Justice is the balance of security” – “Good justice is the security of kings” – “Justice is the gate to all good” – “Be just, for that is nearer to righteousness”. Flanking this lintel on both ends are statues of lions. In the center is a marble block featuring birds, shields, and two opposing eagles. Inscribed in its center is the name “Muhammad Ali” and the date 1261 AH (approx. 1845 AD).
The Swimming Pool
This palace originally had a swimming pool with a glass-covered hall. After World War II, the former king replaced it with a seawater pool built on the breakwater at a location originally intended to be an anti-aircraft defense site for Alexandria port. That year, a long pier was built connecting it to Ras el-Tin Palace, accessible by land via a jeep. The pool area included a rest house with a bedroom, a full kitchenette, and rooms filled with marine fishing equipment. In recent years, the Navy took possession of this area after all belongings of the former King Farouk and his sisters, the former princesses, were removed, as this was their main summer resort in Alexandria.
The Modern Ras el-Tin Palace
Ras el-Tin Palace was rebuilt during the reign of King Fuad I in a style matching the spirit of the modern era. It cost four hundred thousand pounds at the time and became similar to Abdeen Palace, though smaller.
The Upper Ground Floor (First Floor)
The most important features on the upper ground floor (first floor), after ascending the ceremonial staircase, are the two adjoining salons leading to the Throne Hall. This is followed by the spacious, magnificent Throne Hall, previously called the “Firmans Hall” (Hall of Decrees). It is smaller than its counterpart in Abdeen Palace. Next is the Private Office, then a passageway connecting to the main Banquet Hall, followed by the Dining Room and the enclosed Circular Hall. This hall is artificially lit and filled with decorations and ornaments distributed throughout its spacious interior. In King Farouk’s wing, we find his private bathroom, an exact replica of the one in Abdeen Palace, his bedroom, his study, and the Audience Salon. Then comes the secret door leading to the wing of the former Queen, where we find the Dressing Salon, the bedchamber, and her private bathroom, which resembles its counterpart in Abdeen Palace. Beyond that, we find the large, opulent Grand Salon with a large balcony overlooking Al-Mahrousa harbor, and finally the Small Dining Hall.
The Ground Floor
The ground floor houses the magnificent and grand Haremlek Salon (Salon for the Women’s Quarters), the servants’ and entourage’s wings, and the Circular Hall where the former King Farouk signed his abdication document.
The Basement (Al-Badrum)
The basement also contains the third Circular Hall, which connects to the staircase leading down to the pier of the steamship Al-Mahrousa, aboard which King Farouk departed Egypt for Italy.
The Train
Adjacent to the palace on this side is the private railway station that leads directly inside the palace, which was designated for the travels of the former King Farouk.