10 must-visit attractions in Faiyum, Egypt
Faiyum is one of the most beautiful cities in Egypt, located 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo. The name is spelled in different ways, and it can also often refer to Faiyum Oasis, which is actually only the capital of the governorate. From history and culture to fun and beauty, it is very difficult for anyone not to enjoy this majestic place. While there are many places to visit and things to see in Faiyum, we will give you more details about 10 amazing must-see attractions, where you can also enjoy the sight of a magical moonlit sky. and do many different activities. with family and friends.
1. Valley of the WhalesWhat is now a desert valley containing fossils and skeletons of extinct whales and rock formations was once a huge sea filled with marine life. This bumpy road is best accessed and enjoyed in a 4 × 4 vehicle that you can book ahead of your trip. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the evolution of a marine mammal and its transition. If you've enjoyed walking through the Valley of the Whales, you might also be interested in the Wadi El-7itan Museum, which is also home to many extinct whale skeletons.
On the way to Wadi Rayan is the small village of Tunis. This colorful and beautiful village is famous for its pottery, thanks to Evelyne Porret; a Swiss who opened a pottery workshop to teach locals and visitors how to make pottery. The village of Tunis overlooks the edge of the desert as it is located on a hill facing a saltwater lake. There are many activities to do other than pottery, such as horseback riding, bird watching, and game drives. Do not miss a chance to stay in this village, because it is a peaceful place that is sure to make you forget all your worries.
This unique area is one of the best known protected areas of Fayium. It is known for its lakes and artificial springs. There are two separate lakes in Wadi Rayan; upper lake and lower lake connected by beautiful and breathtaking waterfalls. The waterfalls are considered the largest in Egypt. You can also check out many archaeological remains and fossils found near the area east of Gabal Manqueer Al Rayan. This beauty is now a nesting place for birds and a nature reserve for horned gazelles, which do not exist anywhere else.
This amazing rock formation contains three distinct peaks, with other lower points to the west. The name translates to "Round Mountain", although it is considered more of a hill than a mountain. Jabal El Medawara is best known for its activities on the sand, such as sandboarding and hiking. Make sure you visit a perfect location for an adventure, as well as some peace and quiet. You can marvel at the sparkling moonlit stars at night while roasting marshmallows and having a barbecue.
Fayium has many places with amazing wildlife and nature reserves, including Lake Qarun. This popular site is famous for having many species of birds that roost here during their winter migration. The water is not a great place to swim and it also suffers from increasing salinity as it is located 45 meters below sea level. Nevertheless, it is a refreshing and beautiful sight. You can find a few lakeside cafes where you can take a break and marvel at the beauty of the lake and all the bird species it cultivates.
Qasr Qarun or "the palace of Qarun" in English is a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple. It is located near the edge of Lake Qarun and is the original location of the ancient city of Dionysias. The temple is considered to be the most interesting structure still standing among the ruins and it is sometimes referred to as the "temple of stone". The temple is made of blocks of yellow limestone and has been partially restored by the Egyptian Antiquities Service. Discover the site's interior gallery with a complex structure of rooms, corridors, stairs, tunnels and rooms of different sizes and at different levels.
Karanis is the ancient name of Kom Oshim, which was built by the Ptolemies in the 3 rd century BC It is the largest Greco-Roman city of the Fayium and the city today includes two remaining temples and a museum. The temples were dedicated to the crocodile gods and a Roman bath. The museum, meanwhile, has two levels presenting collections from prehistory to the Greco-Roman period. Be sure to take the time to visit this museum if you want to learn more about the culture and history of Fayium.
While the actual name of the pyramid is " Pyramid of Senusret II, " it is often referred to as the Pyramid of Lahun because it is located there. The pyramid was built in the 12 e Dynasty for the pharaoh Senusret II who was placed in the tomb after his death. The Pyramid was made of mud bricks supported by a limestone base, unlike the Pyramids at Giza. The structure is also covered with an outer layer of limestone to protect the earth bricks inside.
Designed for Amenemhet III of 12 e Dynasty, the Hawara pyramid is located east of the oasis of Fayium. The pyramid is built of brick and covered with limestone. Before collapsing into ruins, the Pyramid of Hawara was a structure 58 meters high. The village of Hawara in the same neighborhood is a must-see destination when visiting Egypt, where archaeologists have unearthed many portraits known today as "Portraits of the Fayium".
Located in Wadi El Hitan is one of the most incredible lakes in the world. Surrounded by desert is a lake which changes color several times a day depending on the sunlight it reflects and that is why it is called "Magic Lake". Magic Lake also contains minerals that can help treat patients with rheumatism. You will not regret visiting this beautiful landscape where you can swim or just sit by an amazing waterfall. Other activities can be practiced in the desert.
These attractions are just a glimpse of the magical adventure you can experience when visiting El Fayium in Egypt. You will also find a variety of large bazaars where you can buy souvenirs and other antiques, as well as mosques, baths, and a weekly market. Plan your next visit to this amazing and fun city. Enjoy different activities and take part in unforgettable adventures, while appreciating the history and culture of the city.
Sherif Khalil is the owner of Dunes & Beyond. Dunes & Beyond offers luxury tours, Nile cruises and desert safaris in Egypt. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to enhance your profile, please contact us.
