Gezirah Palace

The Zamalek Palace ( also Gezira Palace or Palace Gezireh called ) in Cairo is a 1863 to 1868 by the German architect Julius Franz built guest house for visitors of the Khedive Ismail Pasha high. He served, among others, for the accommodation of guests of honor at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 ( including the Empress Eugénie of France).

Situated on the Nile island of Gezira, equipped with a large garden palace was converted into a regular hotel after 25 years. From 1894 it was part of the hotel chain of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons- Lits, which in 1905 sold again. Later it was used from 1911 for several decades as a private mansion of Ludfulla family. In 1963, the villa was transferred to state ownership and operated as Omar Khayyam Hotel. It is integrated in a hotel of the Marriott chain since 1974. Noteworthy is the Carl von Diebitch designed, prefabricated in foundries Lauchhammer gusseisenerne Jewelry Architecture neo -Islamic character. The historical building was restored in the 1970s.