Abdeen Palace is considered one of the most sumptuous palaces in the world. It boasts 500 rooms, most of which are decorated with golden clocks, paintings and adornments, proudly displaying an enormous influence of Turkish, Italian and French architecture traditions. The construction of the palace started in 1863 (under the guidance of the French architect Rousseau) and continued for ten consecutive years, at the end of which the palace replaced the Citadel and became the center of the royal court, and, years later, the official residence and workplace of Egypt's president. Rumor has it that about LE700,000 was spent on construction. 2 million Egyptian pounds were additionally spent on the palace's furniture and almost an equal amount on the palace's alteration, conservation and maintenance.