The north end of Roda island holds the gorgeously ornate Manyal Palace. After an extensive restoration, which took several years, it has re-opened to the public. The buildings here are an eccentric riot of styles that cherry-pick influences from both traditional Arabic and palatial European designs, resulting in an over-the-top, lavish symphony of interiors.
Check out the Reception Palace, where guests were hosted, with its elaborate wood ceilings, and then the Residential Palace with its Rococo flourishes, Ottoman-style tile work, and oil paintings. The Throne Palace, decked out in gold, is the real highlight here, though.
The complex was built in the early 20th century by the uncle of King Farouk. It’s set within lush green gardens on the shore of the island
