Egypt looks like a giant open-air antiquities museum. Everywhere, you can see stone cities, pyramids, tombs, religious buildings, stones untouched by eternity and hidden by the sands of time from the scorching African sun and the destructive effects of barbarians throughout history. If to forget about its gigantic treasures for a moment and think of the greatness of the Eastern masters, you remember massive amulets and bracelets of the pharaohs, impressive rings of the sultans, and pompous crowns of kings. Every ruler left its precious mark in history. We can see some of them in the Royal Museum of Jewelry in Alexandria.

As it should be, the royal jewelry are stored in the magnificent palace of Princess Fatima Al Zahraa Haider, the daughter of the descendant of modern Egypt's founder. The mansion of more than 10 thousand square kilometers, was built by her mother, Zeinab Fahmy, in 1923. It is a pattern of European and Islamic styles combination. The ceiling and walls are painted with oil. They depict historical events and picturesque landscapes. Spacious walls are decorated with stained-glass windows and lead. Marble stairs and fluffy burgundy carpets add some magic. Today, the Royal Museum, opened in 1986, is exhibiting its priceless collections in the palace.

The core of its collection are works of art and jewelry of the legendary Muhammad Ali's dynasty. His descendants were ruling Egypt for a century and a half until 1952. But their cultural heritage was shown to the public only when the museum was founded. Here you can see statues and paintings of the 19th century, precious stones, and jewelry of the royal family members. The cane and diamond brooches of the King Farouk, platinum bracelets of the Queen Farida, the pearl tiara of the King Fuad, golden dinner service inlaid with precious stones, and other items impress with their opulence.