In our agency’s numerous and varied programs, royal palaces are often important attractions to discover. Sometimes with guided tours of the interior and other times with exterior viewing. But reaching them is a good way to understand the country’s political reality, as well as the predominant architectural styles in each place. Here we list some of those royal palaces that we can take you to within our circuits, and which in some cases are part of World Heritage Sites.
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
One of the most spectacular monuments in Istanbul and all of Turkey is its Topkapi Palace. Fortunately for our travelers, it can be visited internally with a guide we provide. This majestic complex was the official residence of the Ottoman sultans, who ruled their empire for centuries from here. Just meters from the Bosphorus Strait, it is surrounded by an impregnable wall, but its interior surprises with the refined character of its decoration: its pavilions are a fantasy of lamps, furniture, porcelain pieces, weapons, carpets, and a long list of sumptuous objects that will leave you speechless.
Abdeen Palace in Cairo
Also known as Abdeen Palace, it was the residence of the Khedive of Egypt (a title equivalent to viceroy of this territory under Ottoman rule) in the late 19th century, becoming a “royal” palace from 1922 to 1952, decades in which the country was constituted as an independent constitutional monarchy. The palace stands out for its interior sumptuousness and its large dimensions, over 90,000 m2. Even today it is an official residence and workplace, in this case for the President of Egypt and foreign dignitaries. But it also functions as a museum, so it can be visited. Its rooms display weapons, silver jewelry, official gifts, and other valuable pieces related to diplomatic activity.
Royal Palaces of Morocco and Jordan
Morocco and Jordan are countries in our catalog that still maintain a monarchical form of state. Therefore, scattered throughout their territory are several royal palaces that, as they are still in use, are not open to visitors. In the case of Morocco, notable ones include the palace in Rabat, the main residence of King Mohammed VI, and especially two that are within walking distance of any walking tour. The first is in Fez, with its majestic Golden Gates. And the second is in Tetouan, in El Mechouar Square, which marks the transition between the medina and the Ensanche.
And in the case of Jordan, the reference palace is Raghadan, in Amman. But due to its use as a residence and its intense diplomatic agenda, visits to the premises are only very exceptional.
On the other hand, in Morocco there are also other historical royal palaces, given the country’s long monarchical tradition. Notable are the El Badi Palace in Marrakech and the Royal Palace of Meknes, which, however, show significant damage as a result of the passage of time.
Other Suggestions in Our Catalogs
In addition to these royal palaces, in our catalogs you will find references to others, especially in the combined circuits. For example, if you add Athens to your trip to Turkey, we will surely pass by Syntagma Square, where the Greek Parliament is located, which was once a Royal Palace. And if you travel to Oman, an attraction of the tours in its capital, Muscat, is to approach the Al Alam Palace and view the colorful residence of the monarch from the outside.
In conclusion: if you like to discover grand palaces and learn about the tastes and lifestyles of kings and sultans, these monuments can be part of your travel program. You just need to tell us to fit it into your itinerary in the best possible way.
