Saad Zaghloul Square

AlexandriaEgypt 31° N · 29° E Verified Oct 2026

Nestled at the vibrant heart of Alexandria, Egypt, Saad Zaghloul Square stands as a testament to the city’s layered history, rich cultural mosaic, and dynamic…

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Saad Zaghloul Square
Group of Wikimedia Egypt User Group members visiting historical site in Alexandria April 2025
Photo of Wikimedia Egypt User Group members touring a historical location in Alexandria, Egypt during their visit in April 2025.
Group of Egypt Wikimedians visiting Alexandria in April 2025
Photograph of the Egypt Wikimedians User Group during their visit to Alexandria in April 2025, showcasing members engaging in cultural and Wikimedia-related activities.
Statue of Saad Zaghloul at Saad Zaghloul Square, Ramleh Station, Alexandria, Egypt
The Saad Zaghloul statue located at Saad Zaghloul Square near Ramleh Station in Alexandria, Egypt, depicting the prominent Egyptian nationalist leader.
Alexandria city center with Mediterranean Sea coastline and historical buildings
Aerial view of Alexandria city center showcasing the Mediterranean Sea coastline, modern and historical buildings, and urban landscape

Saad Zaghloul Square

Saad Zaghloul Square (Midan Saad Zaghloul) is a public square in central Alexandria, Egypt, beside the Corniche and near the central tramway station. It sits in the Ramleh Station District, between Safiya Zaghloul Street, Al-Nabi Daniel Street, Omar Lotfy Street and El Geish Road. The square connects the city’s historic core, Mediterranean waterfront and commercial districts (Atlas Obscura; Virtourist; CORP2022_116.pdf; Paliparan).

Its centerpiece is a monument to Saad Zaghloul Pasha, the leader of Egypt’s 1919 revolution. The square is also a transport hub and a public gathering place, and it provides a starting point for visiting city landmarks such as Qaitbay Fort and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (PlanetWare).

History

The square occupies a site in the area of Rhakotis, an ancient fishing village where Alexander the Great founded Alexandria in 331 BCE. The site later held the Caesareum, a temple begun by Cleopatra VII and dedicated to Julius Caesar or Mark Antony. It became a Roman imperial shrine and, in the 4th century, a Christian cathedral. The two obelisks known as “Cleopatra’s Needles,” once located here, now stand in London and New York (Atlas Obscura; Virtourist).

The square has also been called French Gardens Square, Place des Consuls, Place Mohamed Ali and El Masalla (“The Obelisk”), a name referring to the ancient obelisk that once stood there. Its current name honors Saad Zaghloul Pasha and reflects Egypt’s nationalist aspirations after the 1919 revolution (ouatie.fm; journals.ekb.eg).

Under Muhammad Ali Pasha in the 19th century, Alexandria developed into a multicultural port city. Egyptians, Greeks, Italians, Jews, Armenians and Levantines contributed to the area’s social life and architectural character. Since 1863, Raml Station and the tram lines have connected the city’s historic and modern districts (ouatie.fm; archive.diarna.org; jesuitalex.org).

The square’s renaming and the installation of the monument marked a shift away from colonialism and toward Egyptian national identity. Today, it continues to serve as a place for public gatherings, demonstrations, celebrations and daily social life (journals.ekb.eg; archive.diarna.org).

What to see

Saad Zaghloul Monument and square

Designed by Mahmoud Mokhtar, the monument shows Saad Zaghloul standing on a pedestal of lotus-bud columns, symbolizing ancient Egyptian heritage. The statue faces the Mediterranean. A landscaped park around it provides green space and seating (Virtourist).

The square’s open design connects visually and physically to the Corniche and the sea. Its surrounding architecture includes Belle Époque, Art Nouveau, modernist and colonial styles (Paliparan). Notable buildings and sites include the Chamber of Commerce Building (1935, designed by Victor Erlanger), the Majestic Hotel (Corrado Pergolesi) and the Temple Menasce Synagogue (1872) (archive.diarna.org).

The Steigenberger Cecil Hotel, Chamber of Commerce and historic pastry shops such as Trianon and Délices reflect the area’s diverse heritage. Commuters, families and public celebrations are part of the square’s daily life (egypttoday.com; mango-kale-gj5s.squarespace.com; egiptoexclusivo.com).

Practical visiting information

  • Hours The square is open 24/7. Daylight hours, listed as 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, are recommended for visiting.
  • Entry There is no entrance fee. Nearby museums and sites may require tickets; check with each attraction.
  • Getting there The square is accessible by tram, taxi and on foot. All Alexandria tram lines converge here, connecting the square with the city’s districts (jesuitalex.org).
  • Accessibility Paved walkways and ramps are present, and the main walkways are generally accessible. Some areas are uneven, and surrounding sidewalks and side streets can be challenging for wheelchair users.
  • Guided tours Local operators offer walking tours covering the square and nearby historical sites. Tours typically cost 50–150 EGP per person, depending on duration and inclusions.
  • Facilities Hotels, cafés and shops are nearby. The square has seating and adequate lighting, but shade is limited; improvements are ongoing (CORP2022_116.pdf).
  • Accommodation and dining The Steigenberger Cecil Hotel offers rooms with Mediterranean or square views. The Citadel Restaurant at the Cecil Hotel and nearby cafés serve Mediterranean cuisine and local favorites (National Destinations; Egypt Adventures Travel).

Tips

  • October–April offers mild weather and fewer crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons are suggested for enjoying the square; sunrise and sunset offer favorable light for photography.
  • Photograph the monument, Belle Époque façades and street scenes. Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Use crosswalks and take care when crossing streets. The square is generally safe and well-patrolled, especially during the day, but remain alert to petty theft.
  • Dress modestly, particularly in religious or market areas.
  • Carry Egyptian pounds for small purchases. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, and English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
  • Check event calendars for public celebrations or tours. The Audiala app is suggested for maps, guided tours and updates.

Nearby places

  • Corniche The seaside promenade is beside the square and offers sea views and heritage hotels.
  • Bibliotheca Alexandrina A short walk away, this modern library and cultural hub includes museums and exhibitions (PlanetWare).
  • Qaitbay Fort A medieval fortress with sea views.
  • Local souks, cafés and markets Places to experience Alexandria’s markets and local culture.
  • Steigenberger Cecil Hotel A heritage hotel associated with literature and history.

Frequently asked questions

What are the visiting hours for Saad Zaghloul Square?
The square is open 24/7 and is best experienced during daylight.

Is there an entrance fee?
No. Entry is free.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local tours include the square in their itineraries.

Is the square accessible for people with disabilities?
The main walkways are accessible, though some uneven areas and side streets may be challenging.

What are the best nearby attractions?
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Fort and local souks.