Baron Empain Palace

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Meshini trusted guide for tourism

The beauty of Egypt and its landmarks is beyond imagination, and this beauty captured the heart and mind of the Belgian millionaire “Edward Empain,” who became so enamored with Egypt and its rich history that he couldn’t describe it, He built the Baron Palace, named after him, and it is also the only palace in the world where the sun never sets, But what makes the design of this palace unique compared to other palaces, and what is the story of the Baron? Let’s take a stroll through the palace and learn some interesting facts.

The creative Belgian engineer and businessman, Edward Imban, was in India before moving to Egypt to undertake one of his projects: the first tram linking downtown Cairo to an empty area in the desert, which is now the Heliopolis district. Out of his deep love for Egypt, the Baron decided to build a palace in the middle of the desert and a city in the Islamic architectural style, as a tribute to the country’s heritage. He sent for the Belgian engineer Erlest Jasper, who was a specialist and lover of Islamic art, as well as the French architect Alexandre Marcel, to design Heliopolis and the Baron’s palace.

The palace, which spans an area of 12,500 square meters, was designed in such a way that the sun never sets on its rooms and hallways. It was built using Italian marble, Belgian crystal glass, and features a design where those inside can see everything happening outside. The palace includes a tower that rotates on a moving base, completing a full rotation every hour, allowing anyone inside to view the surroundings from every direction. The top floor of the palace was the Baron’s favorite spot to enjoy tea during sunset. Surrounding the palace was a courtyard garden filled with rare flowers and plants. Additionally, there is a tunnel connecting the palace to the historic “Basilica Church,” which still stands to this day.

The palace’s exterior balconies were designed to be supported by statues of Indian elephants, and ivory was used both inside and outside the building. The windows were adorned with Indian and Buddhist statues, adding a unique touch. Inside, the palace resembled a museum, housing precious artifacts and statues made of gold and platinum. Additionally, the palace features an ancient clock, said to be one of a kind, with only a similar one in Buckingham Palace in London. This clock not only tells the time down to the minute but also displays the days, months, and years, along with the phases of the moon and the temperature.

Inside, the palace is relatively small, consisting of only two floors and seven rooms. The first floor includes a large hall and three rooms: two were used for hosting guests, while the third was designated by Baron Imban as a billiard room. The upper floor contains four bedrooms, each with an attached bathroom. The palace floors are covered in marble and parquet wood. As for the basement, it housed the kitchens, garages, and servants’ quarters.

The palace floors were made from original marble, which was imported from Italy and Belgium. At the entrance, statues of elephants dominate the décor, and similar statues can also be found adorning the palace’s exterior walls and windows in an Arabic style. Inside, the palace is filled with rare statues and artifacts crafted with meticulous precision from gold, platinum, and bronze, in addition to Buddha statues and the legendary dragon. The palace consists of two floors, a basement, and a large tower on the left side, which is made up of four levels connected by a spiral staircase. The wooden sides of the staircase are embellished with marble, and the handrails are adorned with intricate bronze plaques and detailed Indian statues.

Activities you can do at Baron Empain Palace.

Once you arrive at the palace site, take some time to explore the area and admire the architectural design that the palace builders excelled at.

• As for taking souvenir photos, the management of Baron Empain Palace in Cairo encourages visitors to do so throughout the palace, so feel free to capture as many pictures as you’d like of anything that interests you.

• When exploring the interior of the palace, you’ll be drawn to all the intricate details inside. Of course, you won’t miss the seven rooms of the palace, some of which are fully furnished.

• One of the most attractive parts of the palace is the reception hall, where you’ll also be captivated by the craftsmanship in its design, with beautiful engravings, decorations, and precious chandeliers that catch the eye.

• In the exhibition halls of the Baron Empain Palace museum, you’ll find historical artifacts that witness the rich history of the palace. These halls display a variety of items, such as ancient relics.

• Art lovers will definitely enjoy visiting this place, as the palace’s art galleries feature a collection of artwork, including statues and sculptures, that are sure to captivate them.

• Now, it’s time to head to the garden surrounding the palace. Take a stroll and enjoy the fresh air, and you’ll also find benches where you can relax.

Entrance prices to the Baron’s Palace

The entrance fees to Baron Empain Palace may vary depending on the visitor category (local or foreign). Generally, the fees are as follows:

Egyptians: Entrance fees for Egyptian citizens are usually lower compared to foreign visitors.
Foreigners: The entrance fees for foreign visitors are typically higher than those for Egyptians.
Students: Students may receive discounts or reduced entry fees when visiting the palace.

It’s best to check the official website or inquire upon arrival for the most up-to-date prices, as they may change over time or depending on special offers.