Andalusia Park Reopens After Renovation

The Cairo Governorate is getting ready to unveil the historic Andalusia Archaeological Park on the Nile Corniche in Al-Gezira after its restoration and development in collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities.

It is regarded as Egypt's first park to be registered as an antiquity and holds great historical significance as it has been a beloved spot for generations. The park consists of three parts: Al-Gezira Park, Al-Andalus, and the Pharaonic Park, covering an area of 9 thousand square meters.

In his remarks, Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo, highlighted that the park had been neglected for a long time, leading the Cairo Governorate to create a plan for its restoration. This initiative falls within the state's efforts to preserve heritage, revive historical sites, and maintain green spaces.

In turn, Mohamed Sultan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Specialized Gardens Project in Cairo, outlined the development works, including infrastructure upgrades, conversion of the irrigation network to drip irrigation, restoration of archaeological statues, and the removal of obstacles hindering visitors' views of the Nile River. Additionally, the park's lighting has been improved for aesthetic appeal to pedestrians and those observing from the Cairo Tower.

Situated in a prime location overlooking the Nile, Andalusia Garden in Cairo is a prominent landmark. Built in 1935 by Mohamed Bey Zulfiqar, the garden covers two acres and consists of two parts: the Arab Paradise Garden and the Pharaonic Garden. The former features an Andalusian pavilion adorned with geometric and plant decorations, a statue of Ahmed Bey Shawqi, and fountains. The latter houses a Pharaonic gate, a statue of the village chief, and various Pharaonic statues.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the garden hosted concerts by renowned singers such as Abdel Halim Hafez, Farid Al-Atrash, and Mohamed Fawzy, with Fairuz marking the final performance in the garden.