El-Hakaneia Palace, Courts building in Manshieh Square, Alexandria, Egypt
El-Hakaneia Palace is a courthouse on Manshieh Square in Alexandria featuring classical details and Beaux-Arts architecture across its ornate facade. The building displays large proportions with decorative elements that shape its entire exterior.
The palace was designed in 1887 by architect Alfonso Maniscalco as a Mixed Tribunals building during a period of legal modernization in Egypt. Its construction was part of transforming Alexandria into a modern court system at the end of the 19th century.
The building shows how European architectural styles were adopted in Alexandria during the 19th century, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan character at that time. You can see on the facade how Western and local design elements were mixed together, which was typical of that era in the city.
The building is located in central Alexandria and is easily reached by public transportation. Visitors should check ahead whether the building is open for public visits, since it functions as an active courthouse.
The building was designed by an Italian architect, reflecting the international building culture that shaped Alexandria in the late 19th century. This foreign influence on the design of important institutions was common in the city at that time.
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