5 facts to know about de Lesseps historical palace

CAIRO – 2 November 2017: Located in the heart of Ismailia city, Ferdinand de Lesseps’ palace is a standing symbol of the Suez Canal’s history; built in the French architectural style that marked the era, the palace also marks the construction of the Suez Canal construction around 1859.

De Lesseps was a French diplomat who supervised the construction after signing the project with Said Pasha.


The Palace [Photo Courtesy: Mohammed Awad]

Believed to be a silent witness for the Suez Canal’s tales, the Palace contains rare artifacts such as “Wasf Masr’s” [Egypt’s Description Encyclopedia] original manuscript, besides wonderful photo collections documenting the Suez Canal’s construction stages are exhibited there as well.


The Main Hall [Photo Courtesy: Mohammed Awad]

The main hall of the palace carries two libraries and “Wasf Masr’s” manuscript, while it also features a number of wooden seats aged 150 years old and a classic fireplace.
The ground floor and the first floor are decorated with simple dark red and yellow wooden slabs.


Thermometer for measuring the weather in Palace’s garden [Photo Courtesy: Mohammed Awad]

The bedrooms contain simple furniture, marking the room with its simple features such as its original curtains.


de Lesseps belongings in his bedroom [Photo Courtesy: Mohammed Awad]

De Lesseps’ belongings are still housed in the palace. His unique Latin version of the Bible and many personal photos of him and his family can still be found within his palace.


de Lesseps Bedroom [Photo Courtesy: Mohammed Awad]

Recently, the museum was renamed to the Suez Canal museum.

De Lesseps was born on November 19, 1805, into a family of rich French diplomats. During his career, de Lesseps managed to build a strong friendship with Said Pasha. Aspiring for an increase in European trade, he thought of constructing a canal to connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Red sea.

He discussed the idea witj Mohamed Ali Pasha, but he refused. After Said Pasha assumed the throne, he approved the project.

De Lesseps also contributed in the Panama Canal’s construction to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. De Lesseps was skilled in conducting successful conversations between different authorities, and was known for his negotiation skills.