Alexan Pasha Palace

Built in 1910, this palace is set to become Egypt's newest national museum. The palace can be found in Asyut, the province’s capital where life was once dominated by influential families that gained their wealth from Nile trade. It was built by the wealthy Alexan family in a grand European style, the palace serves as a symbol and a reminder of Asyut's role as a thriving regional capital in the 19th century. The city’s life was dominated by large and influential families, drawn from its Muslim as well as Coptic population. Wealthy families built palatial residences with gardens along the riverfront, like the house of the Alexan family. This palace which is turning into Asyut's first museum is a symbol of Asyut's role as a thriving regional capital of a modernizing Egypt in the 19th century. Built by the wealthy and influential Alexan family in a grand European style, it is one of only a few such residences that have survived in Asyut. It's vulnerability to collapse and significant importance made this palace become one of the World Monuments Fund's top 2020 World Monuments Watch.