A historical monument listed in the Alexandria governorate’s Conservation Registry, the Antoniadis Gardens are a centuries-old oasis with lush greenery, ancient statues, and a fascinating history. They have long been cherished as a cultural and historical treasure and a haven of tranquility and grace, enchanting both locals and tourists alike.
Recalling the grandeur of Alexandria’s past and the opulence of their visionary founders and culminating in recent restoration efforts to safeguard the gardens for future generations, this is a site that has witnessed the rise and fall of civilisations, bearing witness to an enthralling story that dates back to ancient times.
The gardens are a testament to Alexandrian cosmopolitanism and the diversity and rich cultural heritage of this Mediterranean city, attracting people from all walks of life.
However, as is likely to be the case for any historical site, the recent renovation efforts at the gardens have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the preservation of this cherished public space. Fortunately, after their recent reopening the Antoniadis Gardens have reemerged as a symbol of Alexandria’s past, present, and future, reflecting its beauty, culture, and community engagement.
The gardens are now once again captivating visitors from around the world, inviting them to explore its lush landscapes and greenery, meticulously pruned trees, and stunning marble statues of ancient Greek gods. Visitors can wander through the gardens’ storied paths and immerse themselves in its captivating history.
Whether strolling through the Flower Gardens, exploring the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, or simply enjoying the peace of the Nozha Garden, visitors will be transported to a bygone era while experiencing the vibrant present of Alexandria.
Situated near Alexandria’s Mahmoudiya Canal at the southern entrance of the city, the Antoniadis Gardens, also known as the Gardens of the Palais d’Antoniadis, were once part of a luxurious private estate and a haven of natural beauty in the heart of the city.
Their story begins in 332 BCE when Alexander the Great founded the city of Alexandria during his conquest of Egypt. The roots of the gardens can thus be traced back to the Ptolemaic Dynasty that ruled over Egypt after Alexander’s death to the death of the last Ptolemaic queen Cleopatra in 30 BCE.
Under the rule of Ptolemy I Soter, the successor of Alexander the Great, Alexandria flourished as a vibrant city, becoming a symbol of the fusion of ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures. Ptolemy I and his son Ptolemy II further developed the city, constructing grandiose monuments and embracing both Hellenistic and Egyptian influences.
In the 19th century some two millennia later, the Antoniadis Gardens were owned by a rich Greek citizen and then by Mohamed Ali Pasha, Egypt’s ruler in the first half of the 19th century. During the reign of the Khedive Ismail in the second half of the century, the gardens were extended to an area of 50 acres and rare plants were added to them.
In 1860, the gardens changed hands, and John Antoniadis, another Greek citizen, became the owner, with the gardens being renamed after him. In 1918, Antonis John Antoniadis, the son of John Antoniadis, donated the family mansion, grounds and gardens to the Alexandria Town Council in line with the provisions in his father’s will.
THE LEGACY OF ANTONIADIS: The Antoniadis Gardens owe their existence in their present form to the foresight and dedication of Sir John Antoniadis (1818-1895), a wealthy Alexandrian merchant of Greek descent who arrived in Alexandria in 1860 and acquired the land on which the gardens now stand.
His vision was to transform the land into a haven of serenity and tranquility amidst the bustling city.
Born on the Greek island of Lemnos and having acquired French citizenship during his years in Marseilles, Antoniadis initially made his mark in the potato trade before earning his status as a prosperous cotton dealer in Egypt. He also held prestigious positions as the president of the Greek community in Alexandria and consul-general of Belgium.
Possessing a profound appreciation for both Greek and Egyptian cultures, it was natural for him to choose Alexandria’s historical Elyosis district as the site for a palatial villa. In 1860, he commissioned the celebrated French architect Paul Richard to bring his vision to life.
Inspired by the famous royal Palace of Versailles in France, Antoniadis built an awe-inspiring palace surrounded by 48 hectares (120 acres) of picturesque greenery, which came to be known as the Antoniadis Gardens.
The Palais d’Antoniadis, his namesake palace, still stands proudly as a miniature replica of the Palace of Versailles.
This palace, called the Villa Antoniadis, encompasses a basement level, a ground floor spanning over 1,085 square metres, a second floor, and a roof area. Each floor has 15 rooms, adorned with exquisite designs and intricate details.
Stretching across 120 acres, the surrounding gardens have witnessed centuries of history and provided solace for both locals and tourists. They feature a diverse collection of over 50 species of trees and hundreds of species of flowers, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of scents and colours that captivate the senses.
The gardens featured lush green lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, majestic trees, and meandering paths that led visitors through a diverse array of plant species. The centrepiece was the stunning neoclassical villa that served as the Antoniadis family’s residence.
There was also a remarkable collection of marble statues, notably featuring depictions of European explorers Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama. These exquisite statues, alongside the rare assortment of trees and plants, contributed to the irresistible allure and profound historical significance of the Antoniadis Gardens.
In the 20th century, the gardens became a beloved sanctuary for Alexandrians and visitors alike, boasting an array of flora from all corners of the globe. The villa Antoniadis and its gardens quickly gained fame for their unparalleled beauty and allure, becoming top attractions for visitors to Alexandria. They hosted important events and attracted numerous distinguished guests, including intellectuals, artists, and politicians.
The villa was used as a guest house to accommodate visiting dignitaries to Egypt including the kings of Belgium, Greece, and Italy, and queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain. Egyptian Princess Fawziya and former Iranian shah Mohamed Reza Pahlavi spent the first few months of their marriage there in the mid-20th century. The renowned poet Constantine Cavafy, a long-time Alexandria resident, often visited the gardens.
The gardens and palace provided a picturesque setting for countless events, becoming a hub for significant historical and social gatherings, cultural events, extravagant parties and concerts attended by Alexandria’s elite and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
The gardens witnessed significant historical events, such as the 1941 party commemorating king Farouk’s coronation, the Egyptian Olympic Committee’s first meeting within the grounds in 1910 under the patronage of the khedive Abbas II, the signing of the 1936 Evacuation Treaty between Egypt and Britain that gave Egypt limited independence, and the founding of the Arab League in 1946.
MEMORIES OF THE GARDENS: Hanaa Fathi, an Alexandrian physician, has her own childhood memories of the Antoniadis Gardens. “Some kind of mystical bond ties me to the gardens. Reminiscences of my childhood will always be bound up with this place,” she said.
“The gardens were never just a sanctuary for me, nor were they a mere spatial niche. Rather, they have always been, and will continue to be, an innate part of me and my family. They are part of the good old days that I am happy we have managed to preserve from falling into oblivion. Talking about the Antoniadis Gardens lets loose a flood of memories.”
Riham Helmi, a middle-aged Alexandrian teacher, recalls her family outings in the gardens. “The Antoniadis Gardens express what a picnic is. This was the place that I used to go to along with my family and have a proper picnic, like the ones I used to read about in children’s stories,” she said.
“We used to play football and hide and seek, walk around the greenery, and marvel at the rare flowers and the enormous trees during sunny weekends in winter.”
Sadly, the golden era of the Antoniadis Gardens came to an end in the mid-20th century with the social and political upheavals that then gripped Egypt. The Antoniadis family was forced to leave their beloved estate, and the gardens fell into a state of neglect and disrepair. Over the years, the once-majestic oasis witnessed vandalism, improper maintenance, and encroachments that eroded the historically significant area, threatening its existence as an iconic landmark.
However, at the same time, since 1952 the Antoniadis Gardens have welcomed the public, as the abundant greenery and exquisite marble statues have made the gardens a favourite destination for families, friends, and school trips. Following the 1952 Revolution, part of the original gardens of the villa itself was used to expand the Nozha and Zoological Gardens.
While the villa itself suffered from a general decline after 1970, the gardens remained in fairly good condition. However, despite their historical significance, they were left to suffer from a lack of maintenance and proper irrigation. This resulted in the gradual deterioration of the once-magnificent green spaces, threatening the survival of the rare trees and plants.
In 2006, the Library of Alexandria and the Greek Onassis Foundation signed a cooperation agreement at the library under which the Bibliotheca Alexandria spearheaded a comprehensive renovation project to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the Villa Antoniadis and the Gardens.
The aim was to revitalise the gardens and restore their former glory, while preserving their historical and cultural characteristics for generations to come.
As a token of appreciation for their history, the vision was to transform the gardens into a centre for cultural exchange, scholarship, and a space for dialogue, aligning with the vision of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
In more recent years, recognising the historical and cultural significance of preserving Egypt’s cultural heritage, the government has spearheaded another ambitious restoration project at the Antoniadis Gardens in collaboration with various heritage organisations.
This extensive renovation project has aimed to revive the gardens’ former grandeur and natural beauty, offering a tranquil oasis for residents and a fascinating attraction for tourists while also incorporating modern amenities and sustainable practices. The endeavour has also aimed to offer a newfound sense of pride in the city’s historical treasures and create an immersive experience for visitors to enable them to appreciate the rich history of the city and the cultural significance of the Gardens while enjoying modern amenities
The first phase of the restoration work encompassed various aspects, including landscaping, architectural rehabilitation, and the introduction of modern amenities. Skilled architects and landscape experts were engaged to restore the gardens’ original layout and recreate its picturesque pathways, vibrant flowerbeds, and ornate sculptures. Efforts were made to upgrade infrastructure, improve irrigation systems, and enhance visitor facilities.
Underpinning the restoration process was a meticulous commitment to preserving the authenticity and historical integrity of the Antoniadis Gardens. Original architectural features, including the neoclassical pavilions and majestic fountains, were carefully restored to their original condition. Traditional building techniques and materials were employed to ensure impeccable restoration, harmoniously merging old-world charm with modern functionalities.
The government’s revitalisation efforts also extended beyond the physical renovations. Modern amenities, such as information panels and well-maintained picnic areas, were thoughtfully integrated, offering visitors an enriched experience while honouring the gardens’ cultural heritage. These additions aimed to educate visitors about the historical significance of the gardens, offering a serene escape from the bustling city.
The renovation project actively encouraged community engagement, recognising its importance to the gardens’ flourishing. Collaborative initiatives brought together experts from the faculties of agriculture and fine arts at Alexandria University, in addition to artisans, and community members to ensure the gardens’ renovation would be aligned with the expectations and aspirations of the local population.
The community’s commitment to maintaining the gardens after the completion of the project guarantees the long-term sustainability of this national treasure.
A MARVEL REBORN: In May 2023, the government proudly unveiled the now-restored Antoniadis Gardens, marking a milestone in Egypt’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving its rich historical treasures and cultural heritage.
With their recent partial inauguration, the Antoniadis Gardens have undergone a remarkable transformation, striking a delicate balance between preserving history and embracing modernity thanks to the visionary initiatives led by the government and aligned with a broader vision for the future of Alexandria.
The restoration not only rejuvenated a cultural landmark, but also opened possibilities for cultural events, exhibitions, and recreational activities that showcase Egypt’s diverse heritage.
Now that the first phase of the restoration work is complete, the Antoniadis Gardens have flourished and regained their status as a must-visit destination in Alexandria, offering a glimpse into the past and a haven of beauty and serenity for all to enjoy. They have reopened their doors once again to the public, with tickets being available for LE10.
On reaching the main entrance of the surrounding park, visitors immediately notice the development works that it has witnessed, starting from the exterior gates and walls. Once inside, they encounter a series of beautifully designed divisions, enhancing the beauty of the plants and trees with marvelous geometric shapes.
Restored to their former glory, the gardens’ architectural features remain unchanged, preserving the original layout while incorporating elements of contemporary design. Through scrupulous restoration and extensive renovation, the neoclassical villa will now be transformed into a museum showcasing the rich history of the estate and its significance in the context of Alexandria’s cultural heritage.
The development work in the gardens is still ongoing, especially in the front area. It includes trimming and pruning the trees to ensure their growth, as well as the restoration and construction of new walls.
However, like at any historical site, the renovation efforts at the Antoniadis Gardens and Villa have faced their share of misconceptions. Rumours circulated on social media about the possible destruction of the gardens and the uprooting of trees. However, the authorities in Alexandria swiftly dispelled these fears, reassuring the public of their commitment to preserving the gardens’ historical and natural treasures while upgrading and modernising them and restoring their original glory.
In an interview with Al-Ahram Weekly, Badria Hassan, manager of the Antoniadis Gardens, emphasised that the trees were being pruned, not cut down, and that the renovation plans under the umbrella of the Agriculture Research Centre in Alexandria aimed to preserve the botanical wealth of the gardens.
“There is no plan to demolish the gardens or get rid of any of the trees or monuments. On the contrary, we are planning to develop the Gardens and to preserve all the plants and rare trees,” Hassan said.
Managed by the Agricultural Research Centre since 1986, the gardens have suffered from neglect, particularly from the poor irrigation of green areas.
Governor Mohamed Sharif of Alexandria challenged the rumours about possible demolition, stating that there was no plan to flatten the gardens. He referred to a presidential directive for their overhaul, highlighting the government’s intention to enhance this cultural treasure.
Today, the gardens have become a thriving cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions, music festivals, and educational programmes that aim to reconnect the community with its past and inspire future generations. The serene ambiance of the gardens provides a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, attracting locals and tourists alike.
As we look ahead, the future of the Villa Antoniadis and its Gardens holds enormous promise. With ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain this historical gem, the site will continue to enthrall visitors with its timeless beauty and cultural significance. The Alexandria municipality, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Centre, remains committed to ensuring the site’s long-term sustainability and accessibility to all.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 21 September, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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