Amir Beshtak Palace
Fatimid Cairo / Northern Al-Muizz
Step inside a rare surviving Mamluk residence on Al-Muizz Street, where coloured marble, stained glass, mashrabiyya screens and richly decorated wooden ceilings evoke the sophisticated domestic architecture of medieval Cairo's elite.
Historical Overview
Beshtak Palace preserves an unusually important example of Mamluk domestic architecture. Cairo Governorate describes a multi-storey residence containing reception spaces, stables, stores, service rooms and private residential areas. Its principal reception hall features a decorated wooden ceiling and a coloured-marble fountain, while stained-glass windows and mashrabiyya screens are among its most distinctive architectural details. The palace was restored as part of the Historic Cairo project and now also hosts Bayt al-Ghina al-Arabi / House of Arab Singing, a cultural centre linked to Egypt's Ministry of Culture.
Why Visit?
Most surviving monuments on Al-Muizz are religious or charitable buildings. Beshtak Palace gives tourists a rare opportunity to explore how a wealthy Mamluk emir actually lived and entertained guests.
What to See
- Main reception hall / qa'a
- Decorated wooden ceilings
- Coloured marble fountain
- Mashrabiyya screens
- Stained glass
- Historic residential spaces
- Remains associated with the palace's service areas
- Mamluk domestic design
Getting There
Destination / الوجهة
قصر بشتاك
Point to this and ask them to take you there
من فضلك وديني قصر بشتاك في شارع المعز
Public Transit Options
Metro
Bab Al Shaaria — Line 3
Recommended Route
Bab Al Shaaria -> Al-Muizz walking route
Media Gallery
The exterior of Amir Beshtak Palace
Good to Know
Best Combined With
Make the most of your visit by combining this with:Sabil-Kuttab of Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda,Qalawun Complex,Al-Aqmar Mosque,Hammam Inal,Madrasa of al-Nasir Muhammad
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Plan Your Visit
- Duration: 30 - 45 mins
- Best Time: Daytime for exploring the architecture.
- Photography: Mobile photography currently free under the Al-Muizz combined-ticket visitor rules. Cultural events may have separate rules.