Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What are the attractions in the Siwa Oasis in Egypt?

What are the attractions in the Siwa Oasis in Egypt?

The Temple of the Oracle of Amun

The Temple of the Oracle of Amun or the Oracle Temple is considered to be one of the most important historical sites in the Oasis of Siwa. This temple was constructed during the period of 6 th century BCE and became famous when Alexander the Great visited the temple in 331 BCE to get the oracle. It is widely believed that the priests recognized him as the son of the god Amun, reinforcing his claim to divine rule and this strengthened his argument of being the heir of the Egyptian throne.

The temple ruins, located in Aghurmi Village, are open to visitors and offer panoramic views of the surrounding desert and palm groves. The site has remained among the most significant archaeological sites in the oasis and a tourist destination of history lovers.

Shali Fortress

The other landmark place is the Shali Fortress which is the historic center of the town of Siwa. The fortress was built in the 13th century using a traditional material called kershef, a mixture of salt, clay, and mud bricks unique to the region.

The Shali as a fort has safeguarded people against desert attacks, which are centuries old. Although much of the fortress was damaged by heavy rains in the early 20th century, parts of it have been restored, allowing visitors to explore its maze-like layout and historic structures. Tourists will be able to stroll the ruins and even walk the observation platforms to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the oasis.

Cleopatra’s Spring

The spring of Cleopatra or Ain Juba is among the most frequented natural attractions in Siwa Oasis. It is a natural freshwater spring that is located in the form of a circle of a stone pool with palm trees and small cafes.

According to local legend, Cleopatra is said to have bathed here, although there is no historical evidence to support this claim. The spring is a cool spot, still, with or without the legend, in which people can swim, take their time, and appreciate the tranquility of the desert.

Siwa Salt Lakes

One of the most stunning places in the oasis is the Siwa Salt Lakes. These lakes are characterized by the bright turquoise water and high salt concentration that enable the visitors to float in the lakes with great ease.

The lakes have become popular for their high salt content, and many visitors believe the mineral-rich waters have relaxing and skin-soothing properties.. The blue water, white salt formations and the desert surroundings are a contrast that makes the lakes one of the best places to capture images in Siwa.

Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al-Mawta)

The Mountain of the Dead is an ancient tomb, which is a burial site with hundreds of rock-cut tombs dating back to the times of the Ptolemaic, and Roman eras, just outside the town of Siwa.

Some of the tombs are open to the visitors and they include Tomb of Si Amun, Tomb of Mesu-Isis, and Tomb of Niperpathot. The colorful wall paintings on these tombs portray Egyptian religious beliefs, funeral rituals, and daily lives. The hill is also a good point of view of the landscape of the oasis.

Great Sand Sea and Desert adventures

For travelers looking for adventure, the Great Sand Sea located south of Siwa offers spectacular desert landscapes. Popular activities include:

  • 4x4 dune bashing
  • Sandboarding
  • Sunset desert safaris
  • Camping under the stars

Many tours also visit Bir Wahed, a desert hot spring surrounded by sand dunes, where visitors can relax after exploring the vast Sahara.

Siwa House Museum

Travelers can learn more about local culture when visiting the Siwa House Museum which provides a demonstration of traditional Siwan lifestyle. On display are local clothes, jewelry, wedding customs and handcrafts produced by the community of the Amazigh (Berber) that has inhabited Siwa over the centuries.

The museum allows the visitors to be able to appreciate the cultural identity of the oasis that is not shared by most other regions in Egypt.

Why Siwa Oasis is worth visiting

Siwa Oasis is one of the most diverse tourist sites in Egypt due to its blend of ancient history, natural beauty and the existing local culture. One can go floating in salt lakes as well as visiting temples associated with Alexander the great. Each offering a unique experience that highlights the oasis’s natural beauty and historical significance.

To those tourists who want an alternative to the conventional tourism destinations in Egypt, Siwa Oasis offers an invaluable chance to venture the mystical scenery and historical remains of the Western Desert.

Related Articles

View more Arrow
COOKIE SETTINGS