Header Dot New Valley


Sub Dot Siwa Oasis
The Siwa Oasis located in the western desert 186 miles from Marsa Matrouh and close to the Libyan boarder. This location makes the Oasis the most remote amongst other oases in Egypt, the new motor transportation modes and the tourism development in the area made Siwa more accessible and decreased isolation. It is situated in a depression about 12 metres below sea level. Natural springs preserve life and the surrounding mountains offer protection against the desert storms.

The Siwan population estimated to be 23,000 are mostly Berbers. They have their own Berber language and culture which is heavily influenced by Arabs. Siwa is famed for its geographic beauty and salt lakes that diminish in size in summer. In ancient times Siwa was visited by Alexander the Great to see the Oracle of Amon.

Key attractions:

Sub Dot The Temple of Hibis
The temple is situated two km north of the town of Kharga. The structure, dedicated to god Amun, was built by the Persian emperor Darius I in the 6th century BC. is one of the largest and best examples of Persian architecture in the country; the carvings on the walls have been well preserved.


Sub Dot Amun Temple
It was founded by Kektanebes II in the 30th dynasty. The temple, which was dedicated to Amun, the ram-headed god of life, is situated on a 16 - 24 metre high limestone plateau. The Oracle of Amun is situated on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. It's rich history includes a visit by Alexander the Great to consult the oracle of Amun in 331 BC.


Sub Dot Rock Tombs
These tombs are stuated at the so called "mountain of the dead", dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.


Sub Dot Gebel El Mowta
Gebel El Mowta or Mountain of the Dead was the burial site for ancient Egyptians, some of the graves built into the mountain are accessible


Sub Dot Birket Siwa and Birket Zeitun
Birket Siwa and Birket Zeitun are two salt water lakes in the oasis and there exists Fatnis Island overlooking Beirket Siwa which is like an oasis with a circular pool and surrounded by palms


Sub Dot The ruins of Shali
The ruins of Shali are quite an impressive sight even though they are almost entirely ruined; a climb to the top gives a bird’s eye view of the region. The minarets and passageways give a good idea of what the structure must have looked like.


The annual Tourist Festival is held in October–November at the foot of the mountain of Gebel Dakrur. The area comes alive with local performances and dances
























 
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