Manasterly Palace
Palace 19th-century Ottoman palace on Cairo's Nile corniche
On Cairo’s Nile island, Manasterly Palace is a 19th-century riverside residence known for ornate wooden interiors and Ottoman-influenced decoration; visitors view period rooms, decorative tiles and Nile-facing terraces.
Manasterly Palace (Qasr al-Manasterli) is a 19th-century reception palace on Roda (Rhoda) Island in Cairo, situated on the Nile. The palace was built as a riverside reception and viewing pavilion and is noted for its decorated interiors and wooden latticework.
Interiors contain reception halls and decorated rooms arranged around a central space, with terraces that face the river. The building is presented to the public as a historic house/museum and occasionally hosts exhibitions.
The palace was constructed in the mid-19th century by Hassan Fouad Pasha al-Manasterly as a private reception palace and river pavilion. It has been preserved as an example of elite residential architecture from that period.
The palace occupies a prominent position on Roda Island beside the Nilometer and the Nile in central Cairo, within the broader Historic Cairo area.
- Visitor access: Access and opening hours can vary; viewable features include decorated reception rooms and the river-facing terraces that overlook the Nile and the adjacent Nilometer site.
How to Get to Manasterly Palace #
Manasterly Palace is located on Rhoda Island in central Cairo, near the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square. From downtown Cairo, cross the Qasr El Nil Bridge on foot or by taxi and follow signs toward the island; local taxis and ride-hailing services provide straightforward access.
Tips for Visiting Manasterly Palace #
- Visit during the morning hours to avoid the midday heat and crowds at nearby Egyptian Museum.
- Photographs inside can be restricted - check with onsite staff before shooting.
- Stand on the palace terrace for a fine view of the Nile and the surrounding island gardens.
Best Time to Visit Manasterly Palace #
Autumn to spring provides more comfortable temperatures for exploring Cairo's sights.
Weather & Climate near Manasterly Palace #
Manasterly Palace's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
